“ONE WAY PASSAGE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 744, 24 April 1933, Page 3

“ONE WAY PASSAGE.”

Regent Has Fascinating Romance. One of the strangest and most fascinating romances that has been enacted on the screen is unfolded with supreme artistry by William Powell and Kay Francis in “ One Way Passage, which began at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. All the orthodox ideas of treatment of a story for the screen are departed from in this unusual drama and the result is completely satisfying. Even the usual type of ending for a film story is abandoned, and the final scene, which is the only logical result, is one of extreme poignancy Most of the action takes place on hoard an ocean liner hound from Hong Kong to San Francisco, with a call at Honolulu en route. While the story has many moments of pathos, there is a strong line of humour running through it, the various situations being presented in a happy sequence which makes a strong, appeal to the audience. William Powell and Kay Francis, who have appeared together in a number of previous films, have never previously been given such opportunities to show their great artistry, and they are assisted by a cast of exceptional players. Powell has the role of a suave criminal, condemned to death in the United States, but enjoying a period of liberty in Hong Kong, w'hither he had gone on making his escape from prison. By a strange twist of fate he meets the beautiful Joan Ames (Kay Francis), who herself has only a few months to live. A deep and abiding friendship develops and the fugitive from justice enjoys his first moments of happiness. But his liberty is short-lived, for as he leaves the cafe he is arrested by a detective who has followed him round the world. Fate, however, brings the two together again on board the liner bound for San Francisco, and each is in ignorance that the other is condemned to death. It is a strange position, but they enjoy a period of idyllic happiness while they are together until parted as the boat enters the harbour. The acting of the two principals rises to the greatest heights in dramatic expression, and Kay Francis, who is noted as one of the best dressed women in Hollywood, also gives a magnificent display of the latest fashions. Arline MacMahon, as a bogus countess travelling on the same steamer, and Frank M’Hugh, a fellow crook, both of whom sympathise with Powell, are responsible for most of the comedyin the film, in their efforts to aid him to escape from the detective. Warren Hymer is successful in the role of the detective, and Herbert Mundin is given opportunities for his humour in the part of a steward.. There is a first-rate supporting programme. notable films being a travellogue of Paris and a Grantland Rice “ Sportlight,” presenting little-known champions.