“BELOVED ENEMY”

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 153, 25 March 1937, Page 15

“BELOVED ENEMY”

Brian Aherne & Merle Oberon in ’ Story of Irish Rebellion ’

Against the tensely dramatic background of the Irish "trouble'’ of .1921, a gripping love story is told in "Beloved Enemy," which will start on .Saturday at the Regent Theatre. Supported by acting and direction of a high calibre, the picture (which stars Merle Oberon and Brian Aherne) has appeal for all types of audiences. Told in impressive fashion, with an eye to human interest rather than artificial theatrics, it is described as a worthy addition to the list of Goldwyn successes. The story, opening in a stirring tempo, shows Brian Aherne as the audacious leader of Irish rebels continuing their agelong light for independence. To Dublin comes Henry Stephenson, as a high English official, accompanied by hi» daughter (.Merle Oberon). Tile first chance meeting between Aherne and Miss Oberon arouses mutual admiration, which ripens into affection when the girl shows herself sympathetic to the sufferings of Irish womanhood, the tragic victims in the uprising, Almost betraying Aherne into English hands, the girl later admits her treachery and, when Alterne’s life is again jeopardised, pleads with him to accept tile invitation of her father to a diplomatic discussion of the Irish problem. Aherne overcomes the objections of his colleagues, led by Donald Crisp, and heads the Irish delegation to London. Tlie conference reaches a deadlock, until the girl persuades Aherne that a compromise is best for happiness; and on his casting vole the treaty is signed selling up llm Irish Free State. Then he returns to his homeland to plead with his people to accept Hie new statiw and live in peace witli England. But some of his more fanatical colleagues, dedicated to the cause of absolute separation, think Hint, he has betrayed Ireland for the sake of the English girl. From this situation arises the dramatic climax of I Im story. Merle Oberon and Brian Aherne are excellently east in tlie starring roles, with Karon Morley, Stephenson, .lerone Cowan, David Niven. Crisp ami Ha Honlii, the Dunedin boy, giving notable performances in support.