CLEVER COMEDY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 874, 18 January 1930, Page 14

CLEVER COMEDY

BIG BASEBALL SCENES IN FAST COMPANY REGENT’S BIG ATTRACTION The wonderful attraction that baseball has for the bulk of the citizens of the United States is always a source of wonder to the English race. But after seeing “Fast Company” screened at the New Regent last evening one begins to appreciate its undoubtedly gripping interest. It is a highspeed picture packed with thrills and laughs. Elmer Cane, otherwise known as Hurry Cane, is the world’s greatest “ball player.” There is no doubt at all about that —Elmer says so himself. Elmer was never in doubt about his ability as a ball player, but, strangely enough, he was as good as he said he was. The presentation of a wallet to Elmer at a dinner arranged by the Gentryville Chamber of Commerce was a delightful piece of comedy, and a capital burlesque on small town local bodies. The agent for the Yankees’ Baseball team is present, and is very anxious to sign Elmer up before the team’s principal rivals can buy him up. The agent gets a vaudeville star to help him out and Elmer, falling in love with her at first sight, the desired signature quickly finds its way on to the dotted line. Elmer goes to Xew York to compete in the world’s series, from where he writes to Evelyn, who, meanwhile, has almost forgotten him. She does not rsply, and Elmer shows every sign of going off his game until the wily agent conceives the idea of providing the necessary replies himself. All goes well until the eve of the big game. ay hen Elmer learns the truth. THRILLING CLIMAX His natural egotism collapses under the blow, and without it Elmer, in the first few minutes of the game, gives every appearance of being the world’s worst “ball player.” I-Ie is accused of selling the game, but even this cannot rouse him. Evelyn, however, has really fallen in love with the unsophisticated youth, and the astute agent, learning of this, manages to bring about a meeting outside the dressing room during the interval. Evelyn only has time to whisper a few words, but they are sufficient to send Elrfier bounding back on to the field with the set determination in life to hit the ball three times round the globe. In a stirring climax he makes the winning home-run, and captures the world’s series pennant for the team. In addition to some very interesting scenes of the big game in progress, the picture is rich in clever comedy. Jack Oakie, as Elmer, is a very naive youth and his work is delightfully fresh and natural. He is supported by a strong cast, which includes Evelyn Brent and Gallagher. The talking is of a good standard and always very distinct.

“BLUE ROOM” AND “GIRL FRIEND” The big picture is supported by a Pathe Xews which shows topical happenings of interest, and a comedy dialogue by two negroes, Mass and Fry. “Makers of Melody” introduces Rogers and Hart, two noted American composers from whose pens came the popular successes, “Manhattan,” “The Girl Friend,” “The Blue Room,” and others. The picture not only introduces these numbers, but shows the composers at work and tells how in some instances chance happenings gave them their inspiration. Under the direction of Mr. White-ford-Waugh the “Regent Syncopaters” played “The Thistle” as an overture, and for the entr’acte Thomas’ “Raymond” overture was very ably contributed on the Wurlitzer by Mr. Ewart Lyne. Several entertaining banjo solos were given by Miss Dinah Greening, accompanied by the orchestra, which also gave a fine performance of several numbers from “The Student Prince.”