DELIGHTFUL COMEDY

Evening Star, Issue 22446, 17 September 1936, Page 14

DELIGHTFUL COMEDY

‘DESIRE’ STARS MARLENE DIETRICH FOR REGENT »Desire,’ the Paramount production which opens to-morrow at the Regent, is one of those light comedies which o-ood direction, brilliant acting, and a delicacy of touch make excellent entertainment. In this instance it is the celebrated “ Lubitsch touch,” and this master director has succeeded in presenting to the pietfure-gomg public a new Dietrich who will win more followers than the exotic personality we have (rrown accustomed to in the past. While retaining all her glamour and] beauty, her first essay in comedy reveals Marlene as a consummate actress with a delightful sense of humour and a warmth and humanness hitherto unsuspected. Her performance in ‘ Desire ’ explains the unchallengeable place she has held among the leading artists of the world since she first Hashed across the screen in ‘ The Blue Angel. She is -that rare phenomenon—an artist who has kept her place irrespective of success or failure. London critics have hailed Gary Cooper’s performance as “ flawless,” “ an exquisitely subtle character study.” As Tom Bradley, a frank, likeable, and perhaps somewhat gauche young American abroad on his first real holiday, he is delightful; and he proves that he. too, has a decided flair for comedy. The story concerns a sensational jewel robbery carefully planned and executed by a breath-tak-ing beauty, but the direction and acting are such neatly dovetailed pieces of fine art that ‘ Desire ’ stands out as something quite different from every other film of similar theme. In addition, the conclusion is so unexpected that it strikes an altogether new note. Heading'the supporting cast is that

grand Victor John Halliday as «suave “ crooK ” ; Alan Mowbray, delightfully amusing as the nerve specialist; and Ernest Cossart, well in character as the jeweller Of particular interest to New. Zealanders on the fine supporting programme is the introduction of Mr Cle* ment May, the English actor and elocu. tionist, in a short subject entitled ‘ Make-up Magic.’