Lupino’s Sister Takes Lead In British Release

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7278, 4 October 1933, Page 5

Lupino’s Sister Takes Lead In British Release

“HER FIRST AFFAIRE” A NEW TYPE OF ROMANTIC COMEDY On Wednesday next at the Palace “Her First Affaire’’ will be the main attraction. It tells the story of a young girl’s infatuation for an author and her subsequent disillusion. There are amusing sidelights on a modern girl’s attitude to love, backed by more robust humours. “Her First Affaire,” although obviously adapted on stage play lines, provides amusing light entertainment with its definitely frivolous treatment of the modern theme of romantic freedom. It shows that an author does not necessarily practise what he preaches in a scries of novels devoured by the ro-mantic-minded, and in a slight but interesting way indicates the influence wielded by the trashy novel.

A talented cast, among which must be specially mentioned Ida Lupino, Harry Tate and Muriel Aked, put over

their lines with a spirit that engenders a consistent atmosphere of sophisticated revelry scarcely disguising oldfashioned con.venbionalties. The highlight of the production is a fancy-dress ball, effectively if not lavishly staged, which provides the background to much of the humour attendant upon excessive drinking and amorous interludes by various members of the cast.

Ida Lupino plays Ann with youthful charm and shows great promise as a screen actress. Sho is admirably supported by Harry Tate as the shy bachelor (a portrayal which indicates as groat a success in films as in the music hall) and Muriel Aked as the pursuing aunt, a well-rounded and deliciously amusing characterisation. Gcorgo Curzon plays the rather uncomfortable role of Carey Merton in conventional fashion, with Diana Napier as the aloof Margot, and Arnold Riches as Brian. Kenneth Kove, Helen Haye and Melivlle Gideon make briof and entertaining appearances in the course of action, tho last-named putting over a song in liis well-known co-optimists’ manner.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy never start rehearsing a new show until they have discussed their parts thoroughly and liavo consulted their leading lady about, the quarrel scenes. ■s><*> <S> Warren William will never wear the same tie two days running. His friends all know his weakness, and consequently he gets many presents. The trouble is that he has to wear some that make his artistic soul writhe in agony.