Yorkshire Post (03/Sep/1928) - Champagne

Details

• article: Champagne
• newspaper: Yorkshire Post (03/Sep/1928)
• keywords: Alfred Hitchcock, Betty Balfour, British International Pictures, Champagne (1928), Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, Ferdinand von Alten, Gerald du Maurier, Gordon Harker, Jean Bradin, RMS Aquitania

Article

Champagne

This film is probably the lightest thing Mr. Alfred Hitchcock has ever touched. Its story is of the worst Hollywood type, trivial, artificial and altogether worthless. But because Mr. Hitchcock is the director and because Miss Betty Balfour is the "star" it is worth seeing.

"Champagne" begins with, gives a selection of, and ends with those peculiar and typical "shots," by which one may unmistakably detect a Hitchcock film. They combine unique camera angles and suggestive symbolism. It is pitiful to see them, in this case, wasted upon such a weak comedy.

As for Miss Balfour, she has made a change for the better in Mr. Hitchcock's hands. Those mannerisms of hers which may best be described as "cheeky," no longer are the mainstays of her acting. She has developed a more serious, a more emotional side, which is clearly seen in spite of the fact that she plays the part of an American, luxury-loving girl, whose millionaire father cures her of her headstrong tendencies. Her supporting cast numbers three—Jean Bradin, F. Von Alten, and Gordon Harker. Harker, as the father, gives a studied performance; he reminds one, at times, of Sir Gerald du Maurier though the resemblance is solely facial.

"Champagne" is a British International Picture, distributed by Wardour. It was made at Elstree, though some of the filming was done on board the Aquitania. The Leeds trade show took place at the Majestic last Friday.