LAUGHS AT THE PLAZA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 18 (Supplement)

LAUGHS AT THE PLAZA

“LOVE ON WHEELS’’ APPEALS. ‘ ‘ THE FL A G LIE U TEN AN T’ ' NEXT. Clever comedy has always been one of the features of the productions in which Jack Hulbert has appeared, but in the attraction at the Plaza Theatre, “Love on Wheels,” he adds to his reputation. His acting as the stupid fool is brilliant, and at no tijne is there anything forced or unreal about his work. The story, which Is made up of genuinely humorous incidents, tells of the business lives of ordinary persons who get a considerable amount, of fun out of life in spite of their anxieties. The, fun is always good and healthy, and not only fs it continuous, but it is contagious. Much of the action of the story takes place in a huge departmental store, and in order to capture the atmosphere and life of such a place, Gainsborough Studios came to an arrangement with Self ridges to produce a number of the scenes in their great store in Oxford Street. London. The resulting authenticity is one of the reasons for the succes of the production.

Hulbert takes the part of Hopkins, whose job is to be the scapegoat in Gallop’s big departmental store for the mistakes of others, for which, in pursuance of the policy that the “customer is never wrong,” he is promptly dismissed several times a week. In this uninspiring occupation he might have continued indefinitely but for the ambition awakened in him by his attachment for the girl who travels daily in the same motor-bus that carries Hopkins to the city. Gordon Harker, as the Cockney bus conductor with match-making tendencies, is given great scope, in playing an important part in developing this attach mont. Hopkins gets an opportunity to dislay his natural aptitude for strikingly novel advertising features, rises to advertising manager, and ultimately wins the. girl. As well as giving his brilliant comedy, Hulbert delights with his eccentric dancing and his singing of the numerous catcny musical numbers interspersed througnout the picture. Striking and effective staging is also noticeable in the production. Another admirable characterisation is

that of Edmund Gwynn, as the manager of the store a part in which he shows just the necessary dignity combined with urbanity to make it a success. A newcomer, Leonora Corbett takes with youth and charm the part of the girl, all she does being carried out gracefully and naturally. The producing is in the hands of Victor Saville, who will be remembered for his work in “Sunshine Susie” and “Michael and Mary,” and under his direction a high standard is reached.

The initial screenings in ‘Wanganui of British Dominions Films’ illustrious comedy-drama, “The Flag- Lieutenant,” will take place next Wednesday at the Plaza Theatre. This play is a landmark of the British stage and screen. Written by Lieutenant-Col-onel Drury and Major Leo Trevor, it triumphed at the ‘Playhouse,’ London for 400 nights, when the lease of the theatre ran out. Shifted to the “Haymarket Theatre” it ran for an additional 200 nights. It was “commanded” by King Edward and Queen Alexandra at Sandringham. With the popular Henry Edwards in the title role it became world famous as a silent picture. In this form it was “commanded’’ by King George and Queen Mary. Now directed by Henry Edwards, who also sustains his original part, the Daily Mail asserts that “it is sweeping the Empire and raising on-

thusiasm everywhere.” It is regarded as “the high-water mark of British screen production.” It abounds in humour, and is an ideal attraction. The cast contains the names of Henry Edwards, the beautiful Anna Neagle as the heroine, Peter Gawthorne, Louis Goodrich, O. B. Clarence, Sam Livesey, Michael Hogan, Peter Northcotc, Sybil Grove, Annie Esmond, and Joyce Bland, all West End players of repute.