The Washington times., 1931-02-02

n IL !tsssSssssS
way it is .
q rollick- INA CLAIRE
ing, searching and sometimes gor-
geously funny strip Of celluloid.
It gives Frederick March the op-
portunity to play a bombastic,
half cracked, but consistently
comic acting genius (Some rec
ognize John Barrymore charac-
teristics) and play it with such
zest that his Tony pushes gently
into secondary prominence the
Julie of Miss Ina Claire.
I was one who was privileged
to see the Broadway perform
ance of 1.-THE Royal Family" and
departed with memories of q sa-
tirical evening in the theater
which still linger fragrantly. The
play honors belonged to Haidee
Wright, an English actress who
gave an unforgettable perform
ance as Fanny Cavendish, a mag
nificent old trouper, finding hap
piness and contentment in turn
ing back to the glorious days
when she was the toast OF the
multitude.
Has Tragic Note
It seems to me that the Holly
wood formula which elected to
inject for Soggy sentiment the
play must go on" note, and have
Fanny Cavendish pass from this
earthly scene while appearing in
Merry Wives of Windsor" is
less than a triumph.
For the sharp tongued and
nimble witted Fanny Canvendish
of the play we now have a more
vigorou and less delicately
shaded veteran actress more con-
cerned in pursuing her own ca
reer than in guiding the des-
TIMES and careers of those who
must carry on the CavendiSh ira
dition in the playhouse. Henri
eta CrosSman, does it well, per-
hapS as well as the revised script
and director would permit, for
it is studio treason to place
star in eclipse.
About Careers
"The Royal mily" story
points out the inconvenience and
difficulties which confront the
stars Of the theater who must
always live for their public; how
ordinary pleasures and normal
routines are denied those of the
purple whose names are in the
electric lights; how romance must
take a back seat when career
calls. Is this distorted and ex,
citing existence worth the sacri'
fices? For the Cavendishes, the
answer is Eyes"
Ina Claire gives the best per,
formance of her brief adventure
in pictures, as the Julie of the
Cavendish clan. Her best scene
arrived at that moment when she
is trying to convince herself and
the world that a quiet home and
leiSurely travel with the man you
love are better than all the end
of the act applause in the world
Then the maid warns, Eight
o'clock" jules dream is over
She rushes to the theater and
her public.
March Is Great
Frederick March demonstrates
he is we'll equipped for light
comedy. You will roar at the
nonchalance and ego which per-
mits him to undress and take his
bath while carrying on an airy
conversation with Julie and
Fanny, at his escape from process
servers while disguised as a bell
hop and his triumphant return
from India travels with Yogi yes
men and a play he has picked
up for himself. March is truly
superb.
Mary Brian acquits herself we'll
as the baby of the Cavendish
family and Arnold Karoff gave a
sympathetic portrayal of the man
ager who guided the business
affairs Of the temperamental
geniuSeS.
"The Royal Family" is thor
oughly adult, wholly enjoyable
entertainment. even for those
who must place it a notch or two
below the memorable footlight
version.
ANDREW R. KELLEY.