PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 194, 15 August 1936, Page 16

PLAZA THEATRE

THE EX-MKS, BRADFORD.’’ William Powell’s talent for suave, smart characterisation is again shown to advantage in his impersonation of the socially-popular surgeon in “The Ex-Mrs. Bradford.’’ coming to the Plaza Theatre to-day. In this RKORadio Picture, Powell once more plays the detective—sleuthing in this case being the advocation of the noted Dr. Bradford, with the police, as usual, outside of the distinguished amateur’s operations. The plot of the picture concerns itself with a series of murders in sporting circles, a jockey, a trainer, and others of the racing fraternity being victims. Powell, as the surgeon, desiring nothing so much as to be left alone and permitted to go about his professional duties, finds himself thrust into the case, and soon thereafter is himself very much “on the spot.” How he continues his investigations, with his own life menaced by a ruthless enemy, how he meets threats with quips, rage with repartee, impending death with nonchalance —are among the chief charms of the film. In the parade of these qualities he is joined by blonde Jean Arthur, his costar, who portrays the role of Dr. Bradford’s ex-wife—and an “ex” who is determined to be “ex” no longer! Jean pairs with Powell beautifully, meeting his gay, suppressed, man-about-town type of masculine charm with a personality as merry, as surprising, and as enchanting as his own. Jean becomes her former husband's co-helper and often his chief obstacle! And she stalks “her man” just as rentlessly as the doctor does his. Needless to say—they both win—in the end! Many prominent players appear in the cast of supporting characters, James Gleason as an inspector, Eric Blore as “the perfect Butler,” Robert Armstrong as the heavy menace. In addition Lila Lee, Grant Mitchell, Erin O’Brien-Moore, and Ralph Morgan appear prominently in the long list of parts portrayed.