“ORDERS IS ORDERS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20231, 15 February 1934, Page 3

“ORDERS IS ORDERS.”

Cyril Maude Featured in lan Hay Comedy.

“ Early to Bed,” a romantic comedy starring Heather Angel and Fernand Graavey, heads the attractive programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre this week. Mention of lan Hay in military circles always provokes a grin. His books, beginning with “ The First Hundred Thousand,” will never be forgotten as long as the British Army is ready to see humour in much of the red-tape that garnishes its administrative sections. It

was his knowledge of this attitude toward the system that impelled Hay to join forces with that other keen humorist, Anthony Armstrong, and write “ Orders is Orders,” for the stage. The satirical farcical comedy was an instantaneous success; and now the talking screen version of this great show will start at the Crystal Palace Theatre on Saturday. In “ Orders is Orders,” Cyril Maude, whose vivid character work in several stage productions, as well as in the screen version of “ Grumpy ” in New Zealand will be recalled, has the role of a peppery, but susceptible British colonel, a part which in such capable hands is a great laughter-maker. The Royal Loamshires, under his command, are awaiting inspection by a Brigadier-General. Into the barrack square a huge motorcar hums! a bark of orders, and the troops come smartlv to the presentarms—greeting Ed. Waggermeyer (James Gleason), director of the Acme Film Corporation (100 per cent American). Waggermeyer wants to make a film “ that will put the British Army on the map.” Uninvited, unwanted, he is bustled, without ceremony, off the parade ground. A message arrives that the brigadier has cancelled his inspection-visit, and when the colonel, vastly relieved, reaches his quarters, pleasantly anticipatorv of the soothing ministration of a thoughtful batman, he finds Waggermeyer waiting, to renew his request. The colonel is adamant, until Ed’s assistant, Wanda (Charlotte Greenwood) arrives. Under the lady’s blandishments the gallant soldier capitulates handsomely, stipulating only that he must have the consent of brigade headquarters to make the pictures, Then the fun begins in earnest. Box plans at The Bristol.