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The Gisborne Photo News

 

21

"French Without Tears"

Terence Rattigan's smart and amusing play, "French Without Tears", was the choice of the Gisborne Repertory Society for its second presentation in the Opera House this season. It was well received by large audiences, and reflected great credit on the producer, Mrs Merle Bell, and the large cast. It was especially memorable for the fine performances of Howard Biddlestone, George Law, and Owen Poole, and a plucky and very largely successful attempt by Bette Berry to put across one of the most difficult feminine roles seen on the Opera House stage.

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Miss Diana and her three loves. From left, Owen Poole, Howard Biddlestone, and George Law.

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Aided by alcohol, the three return from a party to hold a meeting of the defence committee, decide their only chance against the siren's wiles is to stick together come what may. But the lady will not be greatly concerned, for by now she is looking forward to the arrival of what may be the best catch of all, a gentleman by name of Lord Haybrooke.

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The dinner-table scene from "French Without Tears". Prom left, round table: Jim Sloan, Celia Bowker, Howard Biddlestone, Owen Poole, Bette Berry, George Law, Bernard Spolsky.

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Top, Bette Berry photographed in her dressing room. Bottom, Jacqueline and Kit tell Alan of their affection for each other.

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The producer, Mrs Merle Bell, photographed on a later occasion, at a supper party for members of the "Midsummer Sight's Dream", cast.

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Some members of the "French Without Tears" cast attended an offstage fancydress party which accounts for the occasional appearance of Highlanders and Greek soldiers.

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Bernard Spolsky dons tartan & sporran, to the amusement of his friends.

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Shows the final scene in the play, when Lord Haybrooke turns out to be a small boy, to the chagrin of the blonde lady. It seems that just about everybody has now wised up to her little game and she makes her swim-suited exit to the accompaniment of their ironical hilarity.

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Members of the cast. From left: Patsy Mill, Bernard Spolsky, Owen Poole, Celia Bowker, Howard Biddle-stone, Richard Swindell, Bette Berry, George Law, Jim Sloan, and John Letcher.