PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“THE FLAG LIEUTENANT.” So impressed was last night’s capacity audience at the Plaza Theatre with the lessons taught by the undemonstrative and deep-seated loyalty of the navy to the White Ensign in “The Flag Lieutenant” that when the opening bars of the National Anthem were played as the navy observed the King’s birthday that they rose to their feet as one man and stood in complete silence to the finish. “A classic of the English contemporary theatre”—such is a fitting description of “The Flag Lieutenant,” the play by LieutenantColonel W. P. Drury and Major Leo Trevor, upon which this British and Dominion’ talkie starring Henry Edwards and Anna Neagle is based. The play, which is largely drawn from Lieu-tenant-Colonel 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 Lascelles. It was followed by the succesful silent picture, and now comes the talking version. A naval officer’s act of self-sac-rifice so that his friend could obtain the opportunity he had sought all his life, forms the story of “The Flag Lieutenant.” The production is a technical triumph, the acting being faultless. Henry Edwards is especially brilliant as Lascelles, the flag lieutenant. The navy’s method of keeping watch over Empire interests, to prevent trouble, and not stir it up is faithfully portrayed, and the methods which are used ar typical of the efficient service. There is no joingoism in “The Flag Lieutenant,” for it deals with the best type of patriotism, the maintenance of England’s power, without displaying arrogance. Undoubtedly the picture will do more for the good of the Empire than the outbursts of the man Kipling has satirised in Stalky and Co. Also more of the high self-sacri-fice which the naval officer displays for his friend would go a long way in those days of depression if it was more | widely carried out. The supports preI ceding the main feature are of more than usual excellence. An interesting sound magazine gives place to views of England’s famous cathedral and ruined cloisters at Canterbury, and one wondered no longer whence came the inspiration for the line? commencing “From every part of England to Canterbury they wend.” A New eZaland film remarkable for the glorious views of Mount Cook and the snow-girt Southern Alps and an hilarious cartoon complete the first half of the programme.