FINE COMEDY-DRAMA

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

FINE COMEDY-DRAMA

“ Love on the Spot ” Opening at Crystal. “ The Missing Rembrandt,” featuring Arthur Wontner, will conclude its season at the Crystal Palace Theatre on Friday night. Adapted from a “ Sapper ” story, entitled “ Three of a Kind,” - Love on the Spot,” which will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre on Christmas Eve, is a bright comedy drama introducing two new screen personalities, Richard Dolman and Rosemary Ames. The picture lias, in addition to tuneful songs and amusing dialogue, such an engaging air of happy irresponsibility that its appeal is sure to make itself felt. There are just enough songs and music to achieve a light-hearted atmosphere and just enough seriousness in the development of the story to make it interesting on that account alone. The story opens with an introduction between Joan Prior (Rosemary Ames) and Bill Maitland (Richard Dolman) through the medium of mixed laundry parcels at an hotel. Joan’s father is a plausible purveyor of bogus shares. Joan has no illusions about the way her father makes a living, but refuses to allow him to fleece Bill. She warns Bill and then learns that he supplements his income by relieving susceptible old ladies of their jewels. From then on developments are thick and fast, interspersed with music and bathing sequences. Told with all the " Sapper ” brightness, “ Love on the Spot ” is amusing fare and definitely another success to be credited to R.K.O. Radio's English studio. Richard Dolman was selected by Basil Dean, who witnessed his performance with Jack Buchanan in “Stand up and Sing." Dolman was placed under the direction of Graham Cutts. who gave him the leading role in “ Love on the Spot.” Dolman has a likeable personality, a pleasing voice of medium pitch and is a good singer and dancer. He makes the most of two song hits, “ Falling for You ” and " Shady Lady.” His co-star, Rosemary Ames, has a charming personality which lias already won her an extensive following in England. The picture also introduces Aubrey Mather, whose interpretation of the roie of Mr Prior, a rogue of superior class, is one of the bright spots of the production.