COMEDY AND ROMANCE

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 490, 27 June 1932, Page 3

COMEDY AND ROMANCE

Double Feature Programme at Theatre Royal.

Two first-class feature films are ir eluded in the programme at the Theatr Koyal this week. The main picture i “ The Beggar Student,’’ a light musica comedy starring Lance Fairfax, who wil be remembered as the Red Shadow o *’ The Desert Song,’’ the musical corned; which enjoyed such a phenomenal sue cess here some time ago. Fairfax' role in “ The Beggar Student ” is romantic one. He is forced by a jeal ous colonel to make love to a girl and so ardent is his love, that the girl fall: in love with him, and what makes mat ters more complicated is the fact tha this beggar student falls in love witl the girl, the beautiful Countess Tania Vienna is a fitting background for thi: story. Colonel Ollendorf wishes t< marry Countess Tania, but it is not t< be wondered at that this beautiful gir is not impressed by the fat, bombasth old gentleman. The colonel’s wooinf fails, and he is forced to think of somt other means of inducing Tania to be his wife. He decides to let two students out of gaol if one of them, Carl (Lanct Fairfax) will make love to Tania foi him. Carl agrees, and he is introduced as a prince. When he realises that ht is in love with Tania, he insists thal the plot be exposed. Carl is disgraced and ordered back to prison, ami Tania is even more determined not to marr.\ the colonel, and publicly snubs him Tania’s mother sees a man with a good deal of money slipping from her grasp, and immediately forces herself upon the now helpless colonel. Thus, before he realises what has happened, the colonel is being congratulated by his colleagues on his engagement. Carl and his friend are released, and Tania and her sister have their lovers back. Many excellent opportunities are afforded Lance Fairfax to show his prowess as a singer. With Shirley Dale, who plays the role of Tania, he sings some tuneful melodies, showing that his voice has lost none of its excellent qualities. Jerry Verno, playing the part of Carl's friend, has ample opportunities for working in a considerable amount of new comic patter and laughable tricks, and Frederick Lloyd, as the jealous old colonel, plays his part so well that, finally, one cannot help but feel sorry for him. The second feature on this bright programme is a sprightly version of Balzac’s play, “ The Honour of the Family.” In it, Bebe Daniels scores a distinct success. As the scheming Laura, she returns to the type of role for which she is renowned. Warren William plays opposite her, and takes the part of the dashing captain, a man who is used to everyone doing as he dictates. Thus, when the strong-mind-ed Laura copies up against the equally determined Captain Boris, there must be trouble. The fourth of the Bobby Jones golf series, a demonstration of the use of the mashie-niblick, completes an excellent programme.