“HIGH PRESSURE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 563, 17 September 1932, Page 25 (Supplement)

“HIGH PRESSURE.”

William Powell in Comedy Role. William Powell takes an entirely different kind of role from those in which he has been seen recently in “ High Pressure,” which is being shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre. In this picture he is given an opportunity to display his sense of humour, which hitherto has been kept in the background. Powell, better known to Christchurch picture-goers for sophisticated characterisations, plays in & highly convincing way in the sheer comedy of “ High Pressure.”

William Powell is the central figure, but it is a new William Powell such as the screen has not ftfen since the days when “ Interference ” gave its fine entertainment to the public.

George Sidney supplies more of the peculiar and enjoyable type of wit that he has made famous in his role as the Cohen in “ The Cohens and the Kellys,” but even his farcical behaviour does not overshadow the performance of William Powell. This actor is not in the least reminiscent of the smooth ladykiller who took the villain's part in “ The Road to Singapore ” and other melodramas. He is bright and cheery, carries a comic meaning in every word and look, and altogether disproves the old stage adage that an emotional actor cannot make a success of a comedy role or vice versa. As his beautiful but very practical fiancee, whose nearness he regards as absolutely essential to his financial success, Evelyn Brent lias an excellent part, of which she makes the most opportunity. His very romantic secretary, who has a hard time trying to persuade her boy friend not to arrange for their marriage immediately, is well portrayed by Evalyn Knapp, The plot centres round an attempt to produce artificial rubber from sewage, and many are the comical situations into which these unfortunate promoters are catapulted by the intricacies of the great Stock Exchange gamble which they take part in. The whole picture serves as an excellent antidote against tax-paying worries and wage cuts, for the spirit of its comedy is convincing. Box plans at The Bristol.