AN AMBITIOUS PLAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 941, 7 April 1930, Page 15

AN AMBITIOUS PLAY

“THE MAN THEY BURIED” One is not surprised at the success that has attended the production of "The Man They Buried,” presented by the Little Theatre Society, which made its final appearance before a large audience at the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday evening. The acting of the cast was of such uniformity that it is difficult to discriminate and select outstanding characters. Possibly the acting of Messrs. Bernard Brittain, A. F. Goodwin, and A. J. C. Fisher, who enact the parts of three prominent medical men, calls forth one’s greatest admiration. Mr. Brittain, in the role of Georges Duhamel, the eminent bacteriologist, wl o is absorbed in the discovery of an antidote with which to conquer cancer, and who suddenly believes he is a victim to the disease, is distinctly clever. His friend, Sven Svane (A .F. Goodwin) is the possessor of a cynical Philosophy which almost convinces us that life is indeed a futile thing. A most astonishing character is Dr. Cardinet (A. J. C. Fisher), whose blatant crudity and rapacity would disgust if it were not relieved by his amusing insolence. To a certain extent some satirical reflection is cast upon the medical profession, but this is not so obvious as to be objectionable. Miss YsoUnde McVoagh plays the Part of Denice Duhamel with her customary grave and charm, while the remainder of the large company gave an excellent performance. At the conclusion of the play Mr. Bramson made a personal appearance and thanked the audience for its patronage. He explained that a certain amount of diffidence had been felt in producing such an ambitious play, but results had justified their confidence.

“Half Way to Heaven.” Charles <Buddy) latest talkie will be released shortly in New Zealand. Jean Arthur plays opposite the star and Baui Lukas, Helen Ware and Escar Apfell lead the support. “Half Way lo Heaven" depicts, the thrilling adventures of a troupe of acrobatic stars, attached to an itir erant carnival.