Critics have had much to any about "Riptide" and most of their mouthings have not been too favorable toward the attempts of Norma Shearer in this drama but a casual observer of the movie would, the Playgoer thinks, be much more lenient.

To be sure the disagreeableness of Herbert Marshall as the husband and the over-emphatic gayety of Miss Shearer at times become more than annoying but these are more than made up for by the antics of Aunt Hotty and her secretary; the busy Bertie. Mr. Marshall cannot be blamed for an uncompromising role but he most certainly cannot escape the censure that his portrayal is uninspired throughout. His stride is weird, he turns from the camera when the audience wants from the camera when the audience wants to see him and his countenance is insufferably blank. It is difficult, however, to say whether he, or the author, is responsible.

Be that as it may, "Riptide" isn't bad and for the first time the advance nothing which claimed a vivid revealing of conflicting emotions, seem to have been more than usually accurate.

If you like Charlie Ruggles and you can believe the Playgoer that there isn't a better comedian going if you don't have to see him too often) "Melody in Spring" will satisfy your fondest hopes. The little man is good, Lanny Ross sings superbly and Ann Sothern does a good job of listening. And if you don't think Charlie is funny, dressed as a pirate, you're impossible.