MOVIEGOER

Transmigration of the Coward Soul

Ever since Noel Coward gave up his high society burlesques poking fun at the aristocracy to change from the hilarious "Blithe Spirit" to his war narrative "In Which We Serve," English films that have managed to wend their way across the Atlantic have focussed mainly on war.

The Earl of Gillenwater, who used to spend his time in drawing rooms, now is seen only as the heroic pilot of a Wellington or skipper of the Marlborough. The metamorphosis of Noel Coward left a big pair of shoes unfilled until Clive Brook stepped in.

"On Approval," in which Brook appears as producer-director-star, presents what could be a credit to multi-talented geniuses Welles, Chaplin, and Coward. Taking up the broken down aristocracy where Coward left off, Brook stars in the role of George, the ninth Duke of Bristol.

In the old formula of the two couples who swap mates, Brook is ably assisted by Beatrice Lillie, one of Britain's top comediennes. Heading a list of superlative supporting characters, Miss Lillie is at her best repulsing the amorous attempts of her weak-kneed suitor.

Set on a small Scottish island, "On Approval" allows two kindly if ineffectual characters to realize that they don't want to marry the selfish Brook and Miss Lillie, while the latter pair finally end at the altar. In spite of a well worn plot, this film brings out the best of English humour. Shying away from Hollywood's gag-happy style, "On Approval" specializes in a never ending series of sly, subtle touches that provide an hour and a half of continuous laughter rather than the customary two and a half of spasmodic guffaws.