PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 82, 7 April 1934, Page 16

PLAZA THEATRE

‘•BERKELEY SQUARE.” Peter Standish once again mingles with his ancestors in “Berkeley Square,” which comes to the Plaza Theatre to-day. Jesse L. Lasky should be commended for the sound judgment he manifested in obtaining the services of Leslie Howard for the role. It is one of the most completely charming films to have come from Hollywood. II is a splendid photoplay, filled with the; humour and the gentle pathos that should appeal to all. It is not surprising to know that so marvelous a pro ductiou was transformed from the stage to the screen by the able hand of Mr. Balderston with the aid of so capable a director as Frank Lloyd. Picture it you can, Peter Standish, a modern young man of 1933, becoming so absorbed in the diary of an ancestor of his own name, that he cannot think of anything but the glorious days of the eighteenth century. Whe nhe returns from visiting some of his friends he is found at the door of his residence in Berkeley Square. Upon reaching the door we behold the modern Peter Standish suddenly transformed into the Peter Standish of 150 years ago. As a modern man taking the place of his eighteenth century. When he returns his own ancestors, speaks to some as if he were already dead and amazes everyone by talking of events in history that have not yet occurred. He finds himself engaged to a cousin, Kate —but falls in love with her sister, Helen. Yet he knows from the old diary that he must marry Kate. He cannot change events that have already occurred. Helen loves him, too, and this love makes it possible for her to understand w T hcn he tells her, hopelessly, that he is a man from the future —a time when she will be 100 years dead. For a brief time they are happy, even in a love that is hopeless. And then Peter returns sadly to the present with Helen’s promise that he will find the epitaph on her grave <tone cut deep to outlast the years. If you enjoy a performance that is finished and perfectly handled, do not fail to see Leslie Howard’s portrayal of Peter Standish in “Berkeley Square.’ Heather Angel plays the leading feminine role opposite Howard. Pretty, tender and appealing. Miss Angel’s performance is superb. Ferdinand Gottschalk, Valerie Taylor, Irene Browne. Beryl Mercer, Alan Mowbray, Colin-Keith Johnston and Betty Lawford acquit themselves with distinction.