“LILY CHRISTINE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 600, 2 November 1932, Page 3

“LILY CHRISTINE.”

Michael Arlen Story Booked

for Plaza.

“Around the World in Eighty Minutes” and “Million Dollar Legs” will be screened at the Plaza Theatre for the last time on Friday night. ‘“tily Christine,” the ParamountBritish production, in which Corinne Griffith is reported to make a most definite “ come-back, ’’ will head the new programme at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday. “ Lily Christine ” is a story of fashionable London, from the satirical pen of Michael Arlen. Colin Clive, who had the major role in “ Journey’s End,” plays opposite the star. American pictures produced in Britain have a certain mark of refinement about them that commends them to the taste of the New Zealand public, and “ Lily Christine ” is no exception to the rule. There are many happenings in the plot to strike interesting new notes, and to appeal to all, and the picture sweeps on through a series of dramatic scenes to a most sensational and compelling climax.

Corinne Griffith is happily cast in the title role. She still retains that beauty and poise that won her fame in the days of the silent films, and in a well modulated voice speaks her lines, . clearlyujfa. *#ler excellent delivery is” matched by her superb acting, that is so noticeably marked with naturalness, ease and charm. The dominant figure in the male section of the cast is that of Colin Clive. He makes no claim to the conventional handsomeness of the American screen idol, and his personality is rather a gaunt one; yet he succeeds in imposing it upon the audience and in building up a definite feeling of character. Although in a smaller part than one would perhaps like. Margaret Eannerman, who will be well remembered by Christchurch theatre-goers, makes the character of the actress live. Also in a small part, but nevertheless important in the telling of the story, Jack Tjevor is another member of the cast who becomes implicated in the mesh of circumstances, while Anne Grey completes the effective quintet with a fine interpretation of Rupert’s wife.