PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 107, 9 May 1933, Page 10

PLAZA THEATRE

“LOVE ON WHEELS.” Jack Hulbert, of the Hapsburg jaw and infectious smile, and the one and only Gordon Harker as the two chief fun-makers in “Love on Wheel,” between'them manage to transform the ? stock phrase “a riot of merriment,” into an apt description of this fast-mov- ' ing comedy, showing at the Plaza ' finally this afternoon and to-night. ' Hulbert enacts the role of a shop as- 1 sistant who, as the firm’s professional 1 scapegoat, is summarily dismissed ! whenever a disgruntled customer lodges ( a complaint. Out of business hours, however, the genial Jack is disclosed 1 as a man of ambition and sentiment 1 who aspires to become a window dresser I and also the husband of a charming, ’ yet rather aloof, goddess who patron- 1 ises the omnibus which conveys her fervent but bashful admirer to and I from the scene of his daily labours. J Gordon Harker is the friendly bus con- 1 ductor with a streak of sentiment, who takes a paternal interest in the bud- 1 ding love affair and prompts the laggard lover into action. With Jack Hui- • bert well in his stride anything is likely to happen, and the merriment which I acompanies his adventures in love and ’ business is a great tribute to his prowess as a comedian. Gordon Harker, as Hulbert’s aider and abettor, sup- J plies most of the thickening for the plot, and when he dons evening clothes 1 and joins in the hunt for the girl among i the night clubs of London, where the corks pop freely, the fun waxes fast and furious. Both the protagonists are well supported by a caste of surprising excellence and the musical numbers must be heard to be believed. ‘ ‘ The Flag Lieutenant, ’ * “A classic of the English contemporary theatre”—such is a fitting description of “The Flag Lieutenant,” the play by Lieutenant-Colonel W. P. Drury and Major Leo Trevor, upon which the British and Dominions’ talkie starring Henry Edwards and Anna Neagle is based. The play, which is largely drawn from. Lieutenant-Col-onel Drury’s personal experience in the Marine Service, was first produced at the Playhouse Theatre, London, over 20 years ago. and ran for nearly 400 performances with Cyril Maude in the part of Dicky Lascelles. During its run at the Playhouse it was given a command performance by Cyril Maude and his company before the King and Queen at Sandringham. Six years later, “The Flag Lieutenant” was revived at the Haymarket Theatre, with Godfrey Tearle in the leading role, and once again, the play had a long run, this time achieving nearly 200 performances. Twelve years later came the silent film, with Henry Edwards starring as the happy-go-lucky lieutenant. It proved to be one of the most successful British pictures ever made, and •was given a gala presentation at the Marble Arch Pavilion which was at tended by the King and Queen, Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles. Tomorrow “The Flag Lieutenant” will have its premiere Wanganui screening at the Plaza Theatre.