Annotations of Annabel

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 28, 25 January 1929, Page 13

Annotations of Annabel

D=AREST H At this dull, but dazzling period, Fashion crouches inert, and only simplest, érispest beach and holiday frocks flaunt. Paradoxically, in this off season, when everyone strives to be far from the vulgar, madding crowd, not to be smart isto be ultra-smart. Off to the purple west we go, or are going, or will go; and from early morn to dewy eve public thoroughfare is trodden only by aching feet of weary wayfarers who are slaves of the ledger, the pen, the typewriter, or that mysterious utility, yclept, an adding machine. N these days of mid-summer, torrid enough in temperature to hasten heat apoplexy in suspended judgment for sins of youth, good citizens all rejoice if they can relax at the "heavenly bay," illuminated in memorable sketch by Katherine Mansfield’s magical jugglery with words; scale high hills at the back of beyond, or for a while dodge dull care in dim, sweet corner of lake-lit loveliness, amidst bush that densely broods, its.greenness of isolation emphasised by strayed flickerings of questing sun and melodious, sudden note of passing bellbird. Soon, from sound of many waters, shadow of great rocks in sunbaked land, moonlit splashings in hot springs of our desire, red of rata trees, and sprawling, plumy grace of clematis, triumphantly Eve will emerge, body burned a beautiful brown, eyes valiant; ready for the road again, and the lurking or caressing Fate that, hooded, awaits us in the New Year, which we go on hoping will be the best yet. To dwellers in a city of a monotony that hurts, amid days of tropical intensity, the second coming of the ‘capable comedian known to an admiring world as Clem Dawe, was hailed with delight. -Packed was the Opera House, rapturous the ‘acclamation, gratifying and undiscriminating the enthusiasm displayed. Much of the

success of the revue depends upon the unflagging ability, good humour and vim of the very accomplished exponent of low comedy who heads the show; he having it all his own way with an enraptured audience, which was couvulsed by his contortions, tolerant with his mannerisms, all admiration for enveloping top-coat and pathetically Chaplin-ish boots, and enraptured by his occasional engaging grin. Wit some merrie maids and men I attended this lively lowbrow show, and found it good. A delightful artist is Dorothy White, bland and sophisticated on occasion, delicious as a Cockney charmer, versatile to a degree, and reminiscent on occasion of Beatrice Lillie, English comedienne of repute,.seen and admired here on the films. Suffering from trivialities of frivolous menage, quite poignantly amusing to your Annabel was "Unnecessary Remarks," a diverting skit on conversational banalities, admirably acted by Clem Dawe and Miss White. Short our sojourn in this lachrymose vale, and apt at times to relapse into dullness. Why render it more exasperating by infuriating platitudes? N Nature’s fairest, gayest weather, who wants to be informed emphatically that it’s a Nice Day? Hot and breathless we scramble into a tram. "You caught it, didn’t you?" inquires one’s neighbour, as hilariously he hangs himself on a contiguous strap. "Come to have your hair cut?" intelligently observes a chance acquaintnance encountered at pet shingler’s, "On the contrary, to commit a murder!" would be a satisfying retort were it not that, if made to a literal Scot, it might land one in the kind but firm grip of Mr. Page, S.M. The world is so full of a number of things, why crowd it any more with such social amenities? AS a theme for his kinema play, Mr. Anthony Asquith has selected the Underground Railway, that microcosm of love and laughter, tears and tragedy,

4 with its patient and persistent band of pilgrims who, without haste or pause, incessantly travel to and fro. Having regard to scope of his medium, Mr. Asquith has treated his subject in necessarily restricted fashion, but has achieved dramatic interest and the presentation of poignant emotion. As was to be expected, the film is British made, and its elucidation entrusted to a singularly happily selected combination of artists. . Me. HECTOR BOLITHO is scoring a success, all off his own clever bat, by the sweat of his literary brow. Which is not an easy thing to do in an unduly competitive world. In "Mpistledown and Thunder" he ranges from rough-and-tumble clearing in packblocks of New Zealand to the African veldt; and, taking us along with him in breezy, conversational fashion, races through night-clubs in New. York shows us his flat in Johannesburg, plows in at a Canadian cafeteria breakfast, and comments on the Grantchester of Rupert Brooke. Very light, very bright free-lancing, with much of England, the Thames, May Week, the Cam, and a few reflections on men and matters of the hour, interesting if superficial. Thus our fellow-countrymen on America :-- "The Englishman in Italy is just as ludicrous and pompous as the American in New Zealand, They must be met and judged in their own habitat. The Americans are materially generous and socially friendly: two virtues which make me feel that there is a good deal of priggishness in the Hnglishman’s contempt of American gaucherie, Their hospitality is overwhelming. They invite ten people to meet you at lunch and then apologise for not arranging a party. The idea that any visitor should eat a humble chop, alone in an hotel, is nausea to them, and their entertainment is so lavish that one ¢an never hope to return it." All very amusing and profuse, but to some of us the chop and hotel appear preferable--Your

ANNABEL

LEE