The Powell & Pressburger Pages Dedicated to the work of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and all the other people, both actors and technicians who helped them make those wonderful films. A lot of the documents have been sent to me or have come from other web sites. The name of the web site is given where known. If I have unintentionally included an image or document that is copyrighted or that I shouldn't have done then please email me and I'll remove it. I make no money from this site, it's purely for the love of the films. [Any comments are by me (Steve Crook) and other members of the email list]

Submitted by John V Watson

Kine Weekly

17 September 1931

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My Friend, the King

Fox.   American (U.).   F.T.   Featuring Jerry Verno.   4,243 feet.   Release date not fixed.

Burlesque "Ruritanina" melodrama, which, after a slow start, gets going quite well and fully exploits the star's Cockney humour. It is popular material and has very good pictorial value.

Story. - Jim, a taxicab driver, finds himself involved in a plot to abduct the youthful King of a Ruritanian country. He gets wise to the trend of events and is finally instrumental in defeating the villainous Republicans.

Acting. - Jerry Verno continues his career as a taxi-driver in his own breezy style. He could have had better material, but he certainly makes the most of what he has got.
    The supporting cast is very good

Production. - Michael Powell presents his burlesque very well, with the maximum of movement and pictorial development.
    The humour is not subtle, but it has a distinctly popular flavour and will undoubtedly appeal to the masses.
    A car chase is well put over.

Settings and Photography. - Well photographed English countryside settings. Camera work is ingenious and helpful to development generally.

Points of Appeal. - The Cockney comedian, who is rapidly coming to the forefront, the ripe, popular humour, and the ingenious presentation.

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