REFRESHING COMEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20561, 12 March 1935, Page 3

REFRESHING COMEDY.

Bert Bailey Featured in “ Grandad Rudd.” “ Grandad Rudd,” which has been described by North Island critics as “ a particularly refreshing comedy,” will be shown at both the Crystal Palace and the Theatre Royal on Saturday. A sequel to the popular success, “ On o„ur Selection,” the film is based on one of Steele Rudd’s well-known novels of Australian life. The artless behaviour of the players arouses more hearty laughter and brings keener enjoyment than is often achieved by more elaborate productions. It is in the universal appeal of the picture that there lies, perhaps, its strongest claim to merit. The inimitable characters, Grandad, Sarah and Dave, with their honesty and simplicity, are really delightful. Clever dialogue and farcical situations provide numerous incidents that keep audiences in roars of laughter. Perhaps the most amusing incident in the production is a cricket match played between the Rudds and a neighbouring family. Special rules are drawn up, making no provision for such contingencies as boundaries and lost balls. llow Grandad makes the winning stroke by hitting the ball into a well and how he finishes registering his runs by being trundled up and down the pitch in a wheelbarrow, makes a hilarious scene. Bert Bailey again scores an outstanding success with his portrayal of Grandad Rudd, whose incomparable spirit, unfailing philosophy and robust humour are a constant delight. He gives a splendid portrayal of the eccentric old farmer, who bellows at the top of his voice, haggles with his sons over the wages he pays them, and strikes terror into their hearts by a mere gesture. Yet not even when part of his farm is reduced to devastation by a runaway ti actor does he lose his air of unruffled good-humour. Fred M’Donald plavs the part of the simple son. Dave, with conspicuous ability. while Elaine Hamill, a New Zealand a :tress. also acts appealingly. Excellent photography which does justice to the beauty of Australian landscape is a further praiseworthy feature of the picture. Box plans t the D.I.C.