“WITHIN THE LAW”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 18 (Supplement)

“WITHIN THE LAW”

MAJESTIC SHOWS DRAMA. COMEDY-ROMANCE COMING. An agreeable surprise awaits those who see Joan Crawford in “Within the Law,” her newest attraction which will head the bill at the Majestic Theatre to-day. It seems that in direct line with Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer’s policy of : giving its stars an opportunity to play varied roles, Miss Crawford discarded her “dancing daughter” and “blushing bride” type of characterisation in this film in order to tackle a part which is conceded to be her most difficult one to date, namely that of the heroine of Bayard Veiller’s underworld drama, “Within the Law,” on which the picture is based. If ever a part required acting of the first order it is this one of the pathetic shop girl who is sent to prison on a false charge and rapidly turns into a goalbird as a result of her criminal environment. That Miss Crawford should carry off the role with honours is not surprising to those who have been aware of her consistent desire to demonstrate an ability for straight dramatic work. It is only when she comes out of prison with the unswerving determination to “get even” with society that Miss Crawford is again permitted to wear smart gowns and return to her more usual alluring appearance. But the role remains straight drama throughout the picture, although the story has its share of comedy touches, contributed chiefly by George Cooper as a member of the crook gang of which Miss Crawford eventually becomes the leader. Others in the large supporting cast include Robert Armstrong, remembered as the star of “Is Zat Sol”; Marie Prevost; Kent Douglass, a newcomer to the screen; Purnell Pratt, of “The Trespasser” fame; Hale Hamilton, Robert Emmet O’Connor, Tyrrell Davis, William Bakewell, George Cooper, Gwen Lee and Isabel Withers. “Once a Sinner.” No more poignant, human, dynamic drama has come to the screen in years than is embodied in “Once a Sinner,” Fox Movietone production directed by Guthrie McClintic, which comes to the Majestic Theatre on Wednesday next. Dorothy Mackaill is featured and the story revolves arotind a beautiful girl who has sinned before marriage, and insists on telling her husband-to-be of her past before she marries him. It is a tremendous domestic drama, finely enacted by one of the most meritorious and best balanced casts seen in a long time, with Miss Mackaill superb and having abundant support from such notable players as Joel McCrea, who plays the young inventor husband; John Halliday, “the other man” in her life; C. Henry Gordon, as the owner of a string of gambling places in Paris; Sally Blane, Ilka Chase and Ninette Faro. “The Princess and the Plumber.” With a picturesque little Balkan principality as its setting and Alice Duer Miller’s well known comedy romance as its theme, “The Princess And The Plumber” introduces two noted players in their first picture together at the Majestic Theatre soon. Charles Farrell, one of the screen’s most popular leading men, and Maureen O’Sullivan, the meteoric little Irish colleen, will be seen together in many more offerings if their work in this picture is any criterion. The opening scenes cleverly establish the locale and the leading players, who meet without knowing each other’s real identity. Their mutual and horrified recognition later, brings about plenty of hilarity, as well as starting the train of obstacles to the romance. These include a highly sophisticated villian, an American millionaire who unsuspectingly hastens the love affair, a case of mistaken identity, a hurried marriage under false pretences and a kidnapped airplane, with everything coming out right in the end but not before the audience has been thoroughly entertained with the swift situations.