STIRRING ADVENTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 936, 5 December 1933, Page 3

STIRRING ADVENTURE.

“ I Cover the Waterfront ” Has Unusual Plot. The stirring adventures of an American newspaper reporter assigned to keep a close eye on the teeming life of a Pacific Coast waterfront provide an unusual background for the thrilling plot of “ I Cover the Waterfront,” the featured attraction at the Theatre Royal this week. Strange things happen among men who go down to the sea in ships, and the pressman becomes involved in an underworld drama which nt rly spells death for him. However, fate is on his side and this perilous situation brings him romance, love and success in his profession. One of the strongest features of the film is the scenes on the waterfront and at sea. The exciting " shots ” of shark fishing, for instance, are a revelation of the dangers of this precarious industry. The central character is a rascally old fisherman, who smuggles Chinese into the United States because he finds it more profitable than fishing. The personal triumph of the picture goes to a man who, unfortunately, is no longer able to receive it—the late Ernest Torrence, as Eli Kirk, the smuggler. His is a superb piece of character acting, combining dramatic force with a dash of unobtrusive tut clever comedy. Fascinating Claudette Colbert plays the old mans daughter and her performance is full of fire and action. The part of the enterprising newspaper reporter, hoist with his own petard, is in the capable hands of Ben Lyon, who also relieves the tension with a spice of clever comedy. An unusual feature of the supporting programme is an attractive display on the stage of the latest in bathing and beach costumes. In addition, there is a delightful Laurel and Hardy comedy, “Any Old Port,” a Mickey Mouse cartoon and a Pathe Gazette.