THE MELBA FILMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 68, 21 March 1935, Page 10

THE MELBA FILMS.

"EVENSONG" FOR CIVIC. Arousing a storm of protest on its publication two or three years ago, Beverley Nichols' romantic drama "Evensong" has been translated from the novel and stage play to the screen,, and the resultant production is to be released at the Civic Theatre to-morrow night, replacing Claudette " Colbert's current comedy-drama, "Imitation of Life." "Evensong" features Evelyn Laye, one of England's most popular romantic musical stars of both stage and cinema screen. She is cast in the central role of Irela, opera star. It is Beverley Nichols' almost savage portrayal of this role which caused the critics to burst with indignation. They declared it was a portrait, a malicious portrait, of the late Dame Nellie Melba, Australia's greatest musical genius, whom the author served as private secretary in the declining years of her life. Australia thought so bitterly of this alleged taunt that the Federal censor completely banned thi screening of the film in the Commonwealth. This action was taken in spite of the denial issued by Beverley Nichols at the time of the book's publication that the study of Irela was of Melba. In the film. Evelyn Laye is supported by Fritz Kortner (of "Chu Chin Chow" fame). Alice Delysia, brilliant French star. Carl Esmond, Emlyn Williams, Conchita Supervia and Muriel Aked.