LAUREL AND HARDY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 833, 5 August 1933, Page 24 (Supplement)

LAUREL AND HARDY.

Famous Comedians at Their Best in “ Fra Diavolo.” “ Fra Diavolo,” Laurel and Hardy's latest feature-length comedy, began at the Regent Theatre to-day. It is a picture which the whole family will enjoy. “ Fra Diavolo M has an excellent musical background and the worldfamous comedians give of their best. Laid in a picturesque era of nobility, courtly ladies and highway bandits, the plot gives Laurel and Hardy every opportunity to make delectable fools of themselves and to become involved in a series of side-splitting adventures which almost lead them to the gallows. The film is based on the comic opera written by Auber in 1830. The fun begins when the comedians are robbed of their life savings by a bandit and, seeking revenge, hit upon the bright idea of becoming brigands themselves. Hardy pretends he is Diavolo, a notorious bandit chief, known throughout the country. Laurel becomes his trusted henchman. Eventually they encounter the dangerous Diavolo himself and are made his prisoners. Their attempts to escape, their blunders in trying to prevent the bandit chief from robbing the lovely Lady Pamela, and their interference in a romantic liaison between a

young officer and an innkeeper’s daughter, supply the situations which will keep the audience convulsed with mirth. The comic pair have never been funnier than in “ Fra Biavolo.” The excellent supporting cast features the well-known stage star, Dennis King, who sings a number of rollicking ballads and proves himself equally expert at dramatic work in the dual role of Diavc-lo and the Marquis de San Marco. Thelma Todd is an engaging Lady Pamela, and uniformly excellent portrayals are contributed by fames Finlayson, Lucille Brown, Arthur Pierson, Henry Armetta, Matt M'Hugh, Lane Chandler and Mena Quartero. Box plans at The Bristol.