“FAST COMPANY”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 3

“FAST COMPANY”

CLEVER HUMOUR AND THRILLS A well-ritten story containing the best elements of a mystery plot, light and clever humour, crisp dialogue, and above all the good acting of Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice are the principal ingredients of “Fast Company,” screening next Tuesday at the Majestic Theatre. “Fast Company” is another picture of the “Thin Man” type, but it is not mere repetition. The amateur detectives who are the centre of interest are Joel Sloane (Melvyn Douglas), a dealer in valuable books, and his charming wife (Florence Rice). Mr. Sloane’s expert knowledge of first editions is turned to account by him to trace book thieves and his successes in this work arc rewarded by the insurance companies who arc assisted by his efforts. Although there is a murder in the story it is not allowed to interfere to any extent with the lighthearted manner in which the action proceeds.

“South Riding.” Victor Saville completed recently an exciting scene in the picture of j English country life, “South Riding,” I which he directed at Denham. This iis the moment when the wild and unibalanced wife of the squire, mounted i and ready to set out for the local • meet and impatient of her husband’s delay in starting, rides her horse I through the front of Maythorpe Hall, | gallops across the wide hall, sending rugs and furniture flying, and up the broad curving staircase into his bed’room. It was a morning of real hard iwork for Ann Todd. Dressed in a I smart habit and riding side-saddle, it ;was‘ necessary for her to carry ou I this ride ten times before the cameras .'had recorded it from all necessary tangles. Besides Miss Todd, the cast lof ‘ South Riding” includes Edna Bese, Ralph Richardson, Edmund Gwcnn, ■ Marie Lohr and Joan Ellum. The film is released through United Artists.