"COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO."

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 102, 3 May 1939, Page 6

"COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO."

RETURN OF POPULAR FILM. One of -the most popular films ever shown in Auckland, '"The Count of Monte Crislo" ie to open a return season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. When this film was first shown here several years ago it made a deep impression on local i'uingoers, many of whom will no doubt sci/l- on this opportunity of seeing it again. That ;ine actor, -who has not been .seen on the screen to auy great extent lateiy, Robert Donat. gave perhaps his best performance as Monte Cristo. Good Hβ the other players are, Donat dominates the production, and in it shows hinjself to be worthy of ranking with the best actors on the screen. The way in which he brinas out the surTcrino; of the "wronged man, and then holds the sympathy of his audiences while he goes about avenging himself on his persecutors, ie outstanding. Klissa Landi, another favourite -who has not been evidence lately, heads the feminine cai-t. and she, too, gives an impressive performance. Indeed, praise ie due to all other players, especially Sidney Bl.ickiner. R.iya,ond Wai burn, Louis Calhern and O. 1\ Heggie. The screen play closely follows the original story by Alexandre Dumas, telling how Kdinond Dantes, though innocent, is charged with being a traitor to his country and a supporter of Napoleon. He is thrown into prison through the machinations of three enemies, but after tremendous hardships escapes and sets about bringing the ruination of his enemies. Hp succeeds in this, and again meets his former sweetheart, played by Miss Landi, and marries her.

The first episode of a new serial, "The Lone Ranger," will also be shown on the same programme.