The double-feature programme now being shown at the University contains films similar in some respects; widely divergent in others. Both pictures unroll under the aegis of Paramount, both were produced in the East, and both have women in the leading parts, and there's an end to likenesses. For one is a sparkling comedy, "Rebound", featuring the clever Ina Claire, and the other a dog-oared story, indifferently acted, named "The Magnificent Lie", in which a disappointing Ruth Chatterton fibs frequently although never with any degree of magnificence.

Given a script written by Donald Ogden Stewart, and a cast composed of prominent Paramountites, and entertainment is in the nature of a foregone conclusion. "Rebound" has the cheery banter, the rapid repartee, the nonsensical chit-chat that is peculiar to Mr. Stewart's humor. And yet the picture has a high specific gravity, gathering body as it goes, until a climax of seriousness and deep dramatic interest is attained. "Rebound" is the story of a woman who marries the man of her love after he has been jilted by another. Follows a period of short-lived happiness, until the husband's actions show him still to love his former fiance. There ensues a struggle for this man by a worthy wife, fighting for her home and life's happiness, against a fluff-minded cocotte (played by Myrna Loy) pursuing the pleasures of the moment. The scenes in which Ina Claire, as the wife, admits failure are richly poignant, and are pervaded by the skill of Miss Claire's portrayal.

The juxtaposition on the same bill of "Rebound" and "The Magnificent Lie" invites comparison of the work of the respective actresses, one of whom is gaining popularity with each successive production, while the other has patently passed her zenith and is definitely on the wane.

There is no doubting that lately the roles assayed by Ruth Chatterton have been too much of a piece to afford a full display of her prowess, and it is too bad that at a time when she sadly needs cooperation she should be made the victim of a tenth-rate story. "The Magnificent Lie" tells of a shell-shocked soldier, who loses his sight years after the war, and believes that the actress he loved overseas has come to visit him. She hasn't, of course, and Miss Chatterton, as a singer in a low resort, undertakes to help the soldier retain his illusion. Finally, the deception is discovered, the hero regains his sight, and upon seeing his deceiver, forgives her, etc., etc. "The Magnificent Lie" is banal, taxing all credulity, and most ineffectively acted.