COMEDY FOR MAJESTIC.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 471, 4 June 1932, Page 25 (Supplement)

COMEDY FOR MAJESTIC.

“ Stepping Sisters,” the Fox film which will start at the Majestic on Monday, is a real riot of laughter. In these dull days it really is sheer joy to sit back in your seat and roar yourself nearly hoarse at the broadly farcical antics of the three “ stepping sisters ” of this film. There is nothing subtle about the humour of it; simply roisterous, boisterous, knock-about comedy in large chunks—and it is splendid. The three “ stepping sisters ” Louise Dresser, Jobyna Howland and Minna Gombell—were queens of the burlesque stage in their, younger days, the story proceeds to show us. Their paths have drifted apart. Louise Dresser, married to William Collier, sen., is endeavouring for the sake of her charming daughter (Barbara Weeks) to cut an important figure in society. She wants her past as an actress to remain a blank to her daughter. The scene is all set for a special garden party the mother is presenting in aid of charity. Jobyna Howland and Minna Gombell are performers on the programme and are astonished to find it is their old pal of stage days who is giving the party. They hold a joyful reunion. Stanley Smith, in love with the daughter, sings an item on the programme in a very nice voice Several turns of a more or less sedate nature follow, then Jobyna Howland and Minna Gombell unexpectedly terminate the show by doing a turn in a rig out of tights and plentiful display of legs smacking of their burlesque days. The garden party ends in turmoil and Louise Dresser’s chances of making good in society are ruined. The explanation is that the pair did it to cure her of any “ high hat ” tendencies and reconcile her with her husband; she agrees to be herself in future. Box plans at The Bristol.