CRIMSON PLAYGOER

There is a story to the effect that last year, when the play "Once In a Lifetime" was presented in Los Angeles, Mr. Carl Laemmle, the movie producer, was induced to attend a performance. To the considerable astonishment of his companions, he sat through the entire action without any outward reaction at all, but applauded vigorously at the final curtain. On the way out someone commented that the producer had not laughed once during the evening. Mr. Laemmle is said to have exclaimed. "Laugh! Should I laugh at something I've been weeping over for twenty years?"

If the story is not apocryphal, one might assume that the filming of "Once in A Lifetime" was a crusading venture on Mr. Laemmle's part, aimed at the assorted bilge which has been pouring out of Hollywood studies--including Universal--for so many years. If anything could puncture the movies, "Once In A Lifetime" might be calculated to do it. But the assumption is probably naive, for in filming this uproarious burlesque, the movie magnates have not failed to soften the more biting scenes, and rub the edges smooth. "Once in A Lifetime" is still well-worth seeing, however, as one of the best theatrical satires of recent years.

The movie version, as presented at Keith's, has the advantage of an excellent cast, which is of more value to the picture than the superfluous padding imparted by the camera. Jack Oakie reveals himself as a fine comedian in the part of George Lewis, the stupid vaudeville trooper who becomes the idel of Hollywood, and Miss Aline MacMahon in the part of May Daniels shows a dramatic talent which is seldom found in the movies, and seldom left unspoiled when found. The other roles, particularly that of Laurence Vail, the playwright marooned in a movie studio, are well cast.

Those who have seen the original version of "Once In A Lifetime" will be interested to compare it with the stage version. They will probably agree with the Playgoer that the additions which the camera makes too often seem like a stupid man's laborious explanation of the point of a joke. They will also find that the humor, though still present, has been effectively softened. Hollywood is willing to laugh at itself--but not too loudly.