“FALLING FOR YOU.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 954, 26 December 1933, Page 3

“FALLING FOR YOU.”

Crystal Palace Offers Jack Hulbert Comedy. As a laugh-provoking duo Jack Hulbert and Cecily Courtneidge can have few equals on the screen. Their latest offering. " Falling For You ”. which is featured at the Crystal Palace Theatre this week, is one of their brightest and best. It is impossible to recall a picture in which the pair did not appear at their best: but few of their films to date have given them such wonderful opportunities. and. as usual, they make the most of them. Picture-goers have seen Hulbert drunk, mystified, love sick, and merely funny: they have heard him sing and seen him dance; but have they seen ,him ski, skate, or play noughts-and-crosses? He needs no assistance from liquor in ‘Falling For You ”, but everything else that is listed is included, and the last three are amongst the funniest. When .Tack Hulbert first went on the iceskating rink at a Swiss chalet the spectators began to laugh, but, like the people in the advertisement of the young man who learned to play the pia.no by post, they stayed to applaud. Hulbert is an actor at present, but he could easily earn a living as a professional skater. The things he can do on skates have to Vie seen to be appreciated, and all the while his facial expressions and that other something about him keep the laughter simmering. The loud explosions of mirth come when he and Cecily Courtneidge get together. As a butt for her biting wit. Hulbert has further opportunities, and he is not always lacking when his chance comes to retort. Their dances and duets are among the attractions of the show. They have roles of rival reporters in search of a story about a Central European kingdom. They do not go there, the action taking place in Switzerland and London. but the Continental touch allows the introduction of several sinis-ter-looking characters who assist considerably in the entertainment. The role of the heroine is in the hands of Tamara Desni, a most attractive little actress, who can skate brilliantly. hi addition, she has a delightful speaking and singing voice, and acting ability. The picture is memorable for a number of things, hut two of the songs are due for long seasons: ” You Don’t Understand " and ” Sweep Your Troubles Away ’. The supporting programme is a good one. It includes Sir Harry Lauder singing his popular ” I Love a Lassie ’, an interesting New Zealand news reel, «*n Ideal Magazine of merit, and an amusing ” King Zilch ” cartoon.