COMICAL ADVENTURES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 98, 19 January 1935, Page 19

COMICAL ADVENTURES

“Mr. and Mrs. Tomnoddy,” by M. M. B. Higham. (London: Longmans,7/-). The difference between the Tomnoddys and other people, we are informed on the cover, is that funny things happen to the Tonmodd-ys. They certainly do, and they make most entertaining reading. The extraordinary advent tires of this simple couple are delightfully told and the many drawings add point to the jokes.

Who could fail to admire a woman who was equal to feeding a husband in tlie interests of economy, on nothin'.'' but wedding cake for the first fortnight of their married life, who sero ten guests away quite contentoil after Die milk in their tea had really been whilewash, who won a crossword puzzle and went to Hollywood to become u film star, or who bit on a tremendously successful idea for making her husband's mouse-trap and ogg-whkk business a veritable goldmine? Mr. Tomiimld.ys adventures were usually more undignified. lull: he almost succeeded In becoming ii president for a South Airmri can republic. We should not be averse to hearing at some future dale, mine of the doings of the Tomnoddvs.

RALEIGH’S LAST DAYS

“Last Voyage,” by Edward and Theo Tlionipson. (London: Miieinlllan.)

Tn their reconstruction of the ln=l voyage and death of Sir Waller Raleigh, the authors of this play have made no attempt to present their attic .loot in the form most familiar to readers of romance. They have not. however, ceased to make him liilereal frig. On tile contrary the episodes they have selected are particularly well-chosen and striking In effect, though probably familiar in any detail only to the student of history. As a play one cannot imagine this work achieving popuhir success. in much because of a certain lack of true dramatic instinct in the authors as because of its restricted interest. But lead as a book it becomes a fine story, and the static rattier than dynamic characterisations ret tin a force and purpose they might easily lose in i stage present al ion. Considered in this way “Last Voyage” iiecomes a great success.