CRYSTAL PALACE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21511, 28 June 1935, Page 10

CRYSTAL PALACE

"JOURNAL OF A CRIME" Although the theatre-going public is led to expect nothing but the best in che way of film entertainment from Ruth Chatterton, yet never has she given such a demonstration of power in the portrayal of scenes of tremendous emotion as she does in "Journal of a Crime," the First National picture which will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre for the first time to-day. In the role oC a highly sensitive woman of fine breeding who is goaded into committing murder to keep a ruthless love pirate from wrecking ner home, she gives a character portrayal that is masterly, superior even to her work in "Frisco Jenny" or "Madame X." She proves conclusively that she has a keen insight into character un'.er any emotional stress, and the talent to move the public with her oWn depth of feeling. As an actress she is superb. No better ■ actor could have been chosen to play opposite Miss Chatterton than the cool, suave, Adolphe Merijou, who gives a virile and conzincing performance as the playwright husband, whose infatuation for the beautiful and popular star of his musical production brings about the tragedy. Claire Dodd gives a splendid performance in the role of the home wrecker, the beautiful idol of Paris, in whose life nothing counts except her own selfish pleasures and the plaudits of the multitude in which she basks her vanity. Noel Madison, as the criminal accused of the murder, Douglas Drumbrille as the prosecutor who sends him to the guillotine, and George Barbier as the producer in whose theatre the drama centres, all give very good portrayals. The less conspicuous roles are well handled by Henry O'Neill, Phillip Reed, Henry Kolker, end others.

The picture is'"based on the drama of the noted French playwright, Jacques Deval, and was ably' adapted for the screen by F. Hush Herbert and Charles Kenyon. William Keighley, director, has caught the spirit and the power of the production admirably, and made a picture that no one should miss.

Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

| MAY FAIR "LADIMIi" TO START TO-DAY "Laddie," Ihe talking screen version of Gene Stratton-Porter's worldfamous novel, will head the new programme at the Mayfair Theatre today This charming production was made by tho RKO-Radio Studios, which gave film-goers "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gables." Filled with the same charm that made the book the favourite of an estimated 40,000,000 readers, and possessed of tho same c.ramatie qualities, "Laddie" is played by an outstanding cast headed by John Beal, who rose to fame through his work opposite Katharine Hepburn in "The Little Minister," and by Gloria Stuart, who is not only beautiful, but also a brilliant actress, Thiv glamorous romance of the Indiana youlh who loves the English nobleman's daughter, but finds ho has to battle the barriers of caste and wealth to win her for his own, is said to make a delightful picture. In addition to having one of the most celebrated of all the great loves of fiction, it has line comedy sequences, and its emotional elements are sincere and realistic. Surrounding John Beal and Gloria Stuart ore such sterling performers as Charlotllo Henry (of "Alice in Wonderland" fame), Virginia Weidler, Gloria Shea, Dorothy Peterson, Donald Crisp, 'Willard Robertson, Greta Meyer, Jimmy Butler, and Grady Sutton. The novel is listed among the 10 best : ellen: of tho last 60 years, and critic:! slate that it. has been transferred to the screen with all the wizardry of Mrs Stratton-Porter's literary /;"onills intact

The supporting programme includes a Fox Movietone News, containing the "Crazy Marrow Derby" at Mount Buffalo, the world's champion fancy skater mi stiUs in Sydney, and, of particular interest to New Zealanders, joe Bands, the armless boy wonder, from Matanmta, driving a car, lighting cigarettes, and playing ping-pong.

THE PLAZA

"LOKN'A DO ONE" "Lorna Doone," which will begin its second week at the Plaza Theatre today, is fine of the best English iilms yet produced. The story itself is well enough known to need no recommendation, and it lends itself admirably to film treatment. It moves in a series o£ vivid events, full of action, well linked together and skilfully handled by producer and east. The atmosphere of seventeenth century England seems to be completely genuine, and the beauty of some of the rural settings an excellent feature of the picture. The characters, all of them, are portrayed with the skill which the best English actors can show. John Loder, who, plays the part of Jan Ridd, has made a well-deserved reputation in roles very different from this, and in this picture he shows how versatile ho can be. He is supported ;<by, Victoria Hopper, who makes a charming Lorna Doone, acting well throughout. .No less pleasing is June Holden, who takes the part of Lorna as a child. A splendid character study is given by Roger Livesey, who plays Tom Faggus, the highwayman who settles down to be a squire when he marrie? Jan Ridd's sister Annie (Margaret Lockwood). Ma Clare as Mistress Ridd, Amy Veness as Betty Muxworthy, and Roy Emerton as Carver Doone are other outstanding characters, but it would be impossible to name all who contribute to the entertainment, of the picture.