DELIGHTFUL ENGLISH PICTURE

Evening Star, Issue 21752, 21 June 1934, Page 11

DELIGHTFUL ENGLISH PICTURE

1 CHANNEL GROSSING' FOR GRAND The opportunity which the Grand Theatre will offer to-morrow to make the crossing from Dover to Calais should not be missed. To make the trip in company with the camera, is to become a passenger privileged with ready access to the petty and the grave goingson during the voyage. To the farepaying voyager the trip to France is almost devoid of interest; to the theatre patron, on the other hand, every mile of the journey covered brings complication and added intensity to a drama which builds: from the embarkation scene for a final crisis of phenomenal proportions. The figure of Jacob Van Eeden, a great financier, dominates the film, everywhere he is respected and admired and ithe packet’s crew and passengers have fallen an easy prey to his influence. The audience from its vantage point, however, is able to penetrate more deeply into the situation to discover that the popularity of the mighty Van Eedcn is in 'serious danger. His latest deal, while acclaimed by experts and the Press has, as is accidentally discovered by one aboard the packet, been brought to finality with 'false scrip. Many types are crossing to Calais, The film considers them all and probes into their affairs with a

thoroughness that amazes. Here a genial Lancashire man and family travelling for pleasure; there roving hikers and discontented wives. Even in a film such as this, in which specialised character parts are the prominent feature, the superiority of Matheson Lang as Van Eeden is unquestioned. Recently won over from the stage he has made an impression in this talkie that will not. easily be forgotten.