PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 302, 22 December 1933, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“THE WORKING MAN." George Arliss, who already has been responsible for some of the"most likeable characterisations of the screen, has been given what is probably his best role in “The Working Man.” the, Warner Brothers-Vo-taphone production which opens a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Arliss chooses a part which is somewhat reminiscent of “The Millionaire,” but he is given far greater scope not only for high dramatic acting, but also for his inimitable quiet humour and kindly philosophy. Moreover, he is assisted by a strong cast of juvenile actors, all of whom give sterling charactcrisa'tions. Arliss is seen as a wealthy manufacturer, head of the Reeves Shoe Company; but at the time the picture opens a rather bumptious young nephew, full of efficiency and “high pressure salesmanship,” has come to the conclusion that he himself is responsible for tho strong position of the company. He is inclined to look on his uncle, as merely a figure-head, and to treat him openly as such. In the meantime, Reeves’ old business rival. John Hartland, has died, and the Hartland Shoe Company falls into the hands of an unscrupulous manager, while Hartland’s children proceed to squander the family fortune In the traditional manner. Hartland, however, was more than a business rival of Reeve. His wife was tho, one woman Reeves had ever loved, and although he had never met the Hartland children, the old shoe manufacturer feels a bond of duty and sentiment impelling him to prevent them from com pletcly ruing their lives. The way in which, assuming a false name and personality, he gains control over them and brings out the best in their characters forms one aspect of the extremely wellknit story. The way in which he revivifies the Hartland Shoo Company, even at the expense of his own business, and thus shows his self-complac-ent, nephew the limits of his youthfu? efficiency, forms a second thread of great interest, while tihe romance between the members of the younger generation rounds off a story which wil] appeal to all. An outstanding series of supporting attractions is screened in conjunction with * * The Working Alan.”