FINE ENGLISH COMEDY

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20282, 17 April 1934, Page 3

FINE ENGLISH COMEDY

“ Britannia of Billingsgate,” Starring Gordon Harker.

Sparkling Cockney wit, tense drama, many thrills and outstanding characterisations by the leading players combine to make “ Britannia of Billingsgate,” which opened at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, a most entertaining film. It unfolds the story of a fish porter and his family who suddenly come into riches through the accidental rise cf his wife to stardom in talking pictures. Gordon Harker, the comedian whose Cockney characterisations have spelt success for a long list of English pictures, heads the cast, and celebrates the occasion by giving one cf the most amusing portrayals of his career. As the fish market porter who rises to affluence and sets out to “ cut a wife’s income Harker has all the scope he requires to keep his audience rock-ing-with laughter. The films have presented nothing more excruciatingly funny than the episode in which the fish porter, in a moment of alcoholic exuberance, mounts a racing motorcycle and careers madly round a speedway after his son has won a race. It is a nightmare ride, ending with a crash in a bar, and is certainly cne of the funniest things Harker has ever done. The famous JLea Bridge speedway forms the setting for some of the scenes, and a number of international riders race and stunt, providing many thrills. On the human side of the picture is to'be found the mother whose head is not turned by fame and fortune, but who strives in a good oldfashioned way to save her family from ruin and disgrace through their intoxication by sudden riches. Violet Loraine plays this role and brings to it a charm that will not readily be forgotten. She proves herself to be as brilliant on the screen as cn the stage. Tuneful song numbers give her & a chance to display her ability. First-class supports complete the entertainment.