GOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 642, 21 December 1932, Page 3

GOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Wheeler and Woolsey in “ The Cuckoos.” Filled with mad waggery, riotous fun, and delirious nonsense, “The Cuckoos,' all-talking musical comedy, is showing at Everybody’s. It is a lavish production with technicolour sequences and plenty of catchy songs. Wheeler and Woolsey clown their way through the film with the reckless abandon which has characterised all their performances, and the laughs they raise are almost overwhelming. The two stars carry most of the action in the film, but in spite of their ability to provide a complete entertainment, the supporting cast was not neglected. The charming and vivacious Dorothy Lee, associated with Wheeler and Woolsey in later successes, is the heroine. This trio first made screen history in “ Rio Rita,” a memorable picture which proved that they were admirably suited as a comedy team. June Clyde is another popular actress included in the cast. She is teamed with Hugh Trevor to provide a secondary " love interest ” in the story. Ivan Lebedeff plays a villainous role as the wicked baron who finally receives his just deserts at the hands of the heroes. Jobyna Howland, as the comely matron fascinated by the charms of Robert Woolsey, converts a small and not very important role into a personal success. Of the two principals too much cannot be said in praise of their efforts. Embroiled in a feud with a tribe of gypsies, they have all the opportunities for burlesque and “ slapstick ” comedy, and never allow the furious fun-making to slacken for a minute. Among the songs in the picture the best known is “ I Love You So Much.” which is sung as a duet by \N heeler and Miss Lee. Other songs are introduced without the least provocation, but as they are all catchy no one minds if they do seem a little out of place or unnecessary. The supporting programme is good.