REGENT THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 128, 24 February 1938, Page 3

REGENT THEATRE

“The Life Of Emile Zola” Paul Muni, whose performances in outstanding films such as “The Good Earth’’ ajid “The Story of Louis Pasteur” have given him a rank of his own in the movies, will be seen at the Regent Theatre to-morrow in “The Life of Emile Zola.” which hns been voted the best film of last year. For “The Life of Emile Zola.” a Warner Bros.-First National production, is made of pure drama, the drama of the rise of a man, the drama of the revolt of a nation. Zola, individualist, fighter, fearless, lover of truth, emerging from a well-earned and . well-cushioned retirement to expose himself to the risk of prison, the attacks of ’mobs, so that he may strike a blow for his country, is of the stuff of which epics are made. And the film, complete, wellrounded, arranging dates and events a little here and there, but substantially true to life, especially in its central episode, is more than entertainment, it is nn experience. The pattern of the story is simple. It shows Zola, defying convention. determined to live and write as he pleases, refusing to compromise with his consicence even to earn bread for his family. It shows him launched on his first, ’ his unbelievable, success. It shows him. aggressive as ever, industrious, working with speed and precision. establishing himself in French literature. rising from a position of abuse to mv where he is about to be admitted to the .French Academy. Content, a little , self-satisfied, he is jolted by the criticism of his old friend Cezanne. For Cezanne sees how complacent success has made Zola; the painter who refused to abandon his ideals is well-qualified to stir the conscience of the writer.