DELIGHTFUL COMEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20485, 11 December 1934, Page 3

DELIGHTFUL COMEDY.

Fredric March in “Affairs of Cellini.”

“The Affairs of Cellini,” which heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre is one of the wittiest and most delightful comedies ever screened. The same description has been applied to many films, but never with such truth as to this one. The dialogue is sparkling, the situations range from the hilarious to the farcical, and the acting and settings are almost perfect. Liberties have been taken with history, but the results are so amusing that nobody cares. The film is not concerned with Cellini’s skill as a goldsmith, but devotes practically the whole story to a vivid portrayal of that fascinating ruffian who broke half the hearts of Florence, and atoned for his misdemeanours by his perfect craftsmanship. Fredric March is Cellini to the life—a boastful, swaggering scoundrel who is still, however, attractive enough to charm all women. His acting is brilliant, but the honours of the picture go to Frank Morgan as the weak, bombastic, fussy Duke of Florence, who is in a continual state of perplexity about hanging Cellini for his outrageous behaviour or allowing him to continue his work as a goldsmith and bring honour to Florence. The supporting programme is exceptional!}' good.