Present Laughter (by Noel Coward; produced by John C. Wilson) was in no great hurry to cross the Atlantic after its London production (TIME, May 10, 1943). Now it is here, only Noel Coward addicts need be in a hurry to see it. Barring a few funny lines, it is pretty barren folderol about the life, loves and self-appreciation of a British matinee idol.
Garry Essendine (Clifton Webb) is the center—and usually the storm center—of a brittle theatrical group. He has a spare room for attractive women who have "lost their latchkeys"; he loves...
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