BRILLIANT ACTING.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20484, 10 December 1934, Page 3

BRILLIANT ACTING.

Jessie Matthews Superb in “ Evergreen.”

“ Evergreen,” which entered the third week of its successful reason at the Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, is a triumph. Nothing like it has been presented on the screen before, and those who have watched the gradual renaissance of the British film industry will find their justification in this beautiful production. “ Evergreen ” would be a notable achievement for one fact alone: British films have little to learn from Broadway or Hollywood in the production of musical comedy. This point is decided emphatically. But musical comedy is only a background : spectacle, drama and sentiment, with an undercurrent of whimsical humour, are all interwoven into a glittering fabric. “ Evergreen ” owes much of its success to the firm guidance of the director, Victor Saville. but for the spectator everything depends on Jessie Matthews. Her’s is a tremendous role, calling for imaginative and restrained acting, frequent singing and .amazing dancing. The period moves from Edwardian days to the present time, with rapidly changing settings perfectly photographed. And through it all, interest is centred on the vivid personality of the star. It is not comparable with any other production, for in conception and technical detail it is entirely new. “ Evergreen ” sets a new standard for the screen. There is ail entertaining supporting programme, composed mainly of English-made films