DAYS OF KING CHARLES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 230, 28 September 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

DAYS OF KING CHARLES.

Miss E. M. Brent-Dyer has accomplished a story based on English history of the days of Iving Charles. "Elizabeth the Gallant" (Thornton Butterworth) exalts the cavaliers and leads the Puritans and Roundheads to stand before the world as disloyal and misled. The authoress has the natural liking- for the showy King's oflicer, with flowing wig, lace ruffles, sword, gold and swagger, but as long as he had a full purse, a pretty girl, a good horse, and a drink when thirsty, the country might go to the deuce. The Roundheads were all for economy, plain living, trade progress, and a balanced budget, and rc-ady to fight for them. The gay birds, who stood by the King, lacked seriousness and determination, and were defeated by men with a purpose. The boy arid girl of this story risk life and property to plrnse the Kin?, so prodigal of 'promises, so inefficient in fulfilment, and the story is useful only that it is addressed to the young, and counsels service and sacrifice and loyalty, even in a hopeless cause. The "Victory of the Conquered" is the sacrifice of self.