“BITTER SWEET.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 3

“BITTER SWEET.”

Delightful Operetta for Civic. After a break of three weeks the Civic All-British Theatre will re-open on Monday, May 28, when Christchurch picture-goers will have the opportunity of witnessing Noel Coward’s delightful operetta, “Bitter Sweet.” In “Bitter Sweet” British and Dominions acquired a subject of world importance. Noel Coward’s operetta proved to be the most successful musical play in the annals of the modern theatre. For two and a half years it entranced London’s millions and its triumph was repeated throughout the provinces. The production of a talking film based on such a subject had naturally to be undertaken on an appropriate scale and British and Dominions welcomed the opportunity of indicating that the resources of a British studio were equal to the task. They were conscious of another responsibility, that the film of “Bitter Sweet” must inevitably face comparison with Coward’s first contribution to the screen. “ Cavalcade.” For the first time in British film history, a romantic co-starring team is sponsored by a British studio. The combination of Anna Neagle and Fernand Graavey in “Bitter Sweet” has won such praise that there has been an immediate call for more pictures introducing them together. Other members of the cast include Ivy St Helier and Clifford Heatherly, both of whom play their original stage roles. Box plans for this outstanding attraction open at the Civic Theatre on Thursday at 10 a.m., when seats may be reserved at no extra cost.