NEW PAUL ROBESON FILM

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 5

NEW PAUL ROBESON FILM

A slice of .life from South Wales, telling a gripping drama of a derelict mining .village—that is “The Proud Valley,” latest Capad-Associated Talking Picture production, which will be released throughout New Zealand shortly by British Empire Films. Presenting a story packed with emotional incident, high-lighted by graphic mine disaster scenes, the film stars Paul Robeson. For two years Robeson refused to appear in films until this subject was offered him, which he declares is more human than any other screen role he has had. “I have always wanted to play a part in which I was a real human being, and not a symbol or a fantastication,” the actor said. “My part in ‘Show Boat’ was perhaps the nearest I have ever come to this, but even that was an exaggeration—a white idea of (what a negro should be,* not what the' negro really is.” " " •■“ * Robeson has had a surprisingly varied career. Originally educated for the law, he later turned to singing, and earned an enviable reputation as a concert artist. His many European recitals have been phenomenally successful, and as a singer of negro spirituals, especially, he has been the toast of the world’s musical centres. His first opportunity as an actor came when he played opposite Dame Sybil Thorndike in the London production of “Othello,” and had every English critic singing his praises. Previously he had appeared on the Loridon stage with Mrs Patrick Campbell.