TWO FAMOUS NAMES.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 13, 15 July 1937, Page 14

TWO FAMOUS NAMES.

"A Star is Born."

Filmed in technicolour against an authentic Hollywood background, United Artists feature, "A Star, is Born" which was shown at a special preview at the Regent Theatre yesterday afternoon, made a memorable impression on those privileged to see it. it is unquestionably one of the finest products that the talkies have turned out. From every point of view it is flawless, and with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March teaming for the first time in an unforgettable performance, it sets a new high standard in entertainment values. In addition to these two stars, it brings back a new Adolphe Menjou, and the inimitable May Robson, whose dry humour and terse philosophy are strikingly etched against the general plan of the story. These four dominate the picture, but it is Janet Gaynor, with her demureness and wistful charm, who steals it. As the film-star wife of a spoiled and dissolute husband—himself a former screen idol—she gives the most notable performance of her career and definitely establishes herself as one of the finest dramatic actresses on the screen. Fredric March is convincing as the former screen star who falls in love with this unsophisticated seeker after fame from the country, and who lives to see her outshine him and ultimately edge him into oblivion. In every mood —as the pathetic weakling, conscious of his own failure but lacking the moral strength to fight it, as the irresolute inebriate, and as the affectionate husband in his occasional periods of brief self-reformation —his characterisation is most virile. As Vicki Lester (born Esther Blodgett) Janet Gaynor portrays an exacting role faultlessly, and exploits every incident in an everchanging sequence to its full value. It is Granny (May Robson) who believes in her and encourages her in her pilgrimage to Hollywood, and it is Granny who brings help and succour when breaking-point is almost reached in those desperate, poignant moments when Vicki seeks a sanctuary from the world clamouring at her feet. And it is the paternal Oliver Niles (Menjou) who provides the glow of comfort ana cheerful assurance when things are darkest. The climax of the picture is brilliant. It fits perfectly, and the note of tragedy that it brings is shrouded in a pall of serene majesty. It is the last fine gesture of a man who tries to salvage the tattered remnants of his self-respect, and in a moment he redeems a lifetime of prodigality. Technically the picture is irreproachable, and \U reproduction in natural colour adds much to its charm, particularly those actual glimpses of Hollywood's more famous places. "A Star is Born" will open at the Regent on July 30.