VARIED PROGRAMME.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20205, 16 January 1934, Page 3

VARIED PROGRAMME.

“ Big Executive ” and “ Purse Strings.”

The private life of a Wall Street financial genius, who started in business with the money he obtained by pawning his mother’s ring, forms the story of “ Big Executive,” which heads the well-varied double bill at the Liberty Theatre this week. Ricardo Cortez plays the part of a financier of the new generation. who nits his strength against a business man' of the gruff. blustering, Old-fashioned school. Richard Bennett, whose performance in this role is a masterpiece of brilliant characterisation, shows that although the old-time kings of Wail Street disapprove of modern methods they can be just as unscrupulous. 4 ‘ Big Executive ” is full of excitement, and is brilliantly acted by a strong cast. Comedy is provided by Richard Bennett as the Commodore Little eccentricities, bad temper, and affection for an old bulldog called Nero are blended so perfectly that, they might have been taken from real life. Cortez adds to his reputation by his performance as Victor Conway. The cold-quick-thinking financial king of Wall Street is a character worthy to rank amongst his best. Elizabeth A oung, a charming newcomer, shows much promise as the Commodore's great-granddaughter. Husbands who Pay their wives’ bills, but never give them any ready money, are the sublect of satirical treatment in “ Purse Strings.” a witty British comody-drama. Dorothy Bouchier and Gyles Isham make this a really excellent picture