WEST OF BROADWAY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 354, 15 October 1932, Page 7

WEST OF BROADWAY

JOHN GILBERT IN FAST CHANGING SCENES. John Gilbert is starred in "West of Broadway," the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, which will he shown at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday. This is John Gilbert's fifth talking picture and in it he gives a performance that comhinea the romanticism and action that made, hirn famous in the days of the silent drama. The opening of the production is on hoard ,a homeward hound hospital ship and then the loeale moves to New York Harbour and thus to New York City, where the bright lights of Broadway and night life are vividly shown. Later the scene moves on again to Ariizona, where the plot moves to. a quiclc tempo, and again the locaticn takes one hack to New York and a dramatic climax., In this daring film, John Gilbert has two leading ladies, Lois Moran and Madge Evans., the former girl he marries after being jilted by ths latter. This' is the first time either of th'ese brilliant young actresses have appeared with John Gilbert. From the heginning of the story, ■ ; " , - - ■ ■

things movs fast, and interest, is immediately arrested when Gilbert escapes from the hospital ship, despite the orders of the doctors and the entreaties of his Swedish friend, Axel. He goss to the home of his fiancee to learn th'at she loves another man, and leaves, bitterly disillusioned. At a party which he holds, ha meets another girl, and after going round the various night clubs, they are married. He repents his action next day, and attempts to arrange for the marriage to he annulled, hut the girl really loves him, and refuses, and the rapid events that follow makes "West of Broaway" set a new standard for fast action and romantic drama. Harry Beaumont, M-G-M director, who made "The Broadway Melody," "Our Dancing Daughters," and other great successes, was entrusted with the direction of the story, and, according to advance views, has upheld his enviable reputation. The production teems with realism throughout and the picture also boasts some beautiful scenes of the Arizona country in contarst to the scenes oof busy New York City. E1 Brendel, famous comedian, who scored a hit in "Just Imagine," "Mr. Lemon, of Orange," and "The Big Trail," again gives an excellent performan.ee; Miss Evans justifies tremendous growth of her popularity; Miss Moran plays a diffieult role to perfection; whilst the other members of the cast equally share in the entertainment of "West of Broadway."