TALKIES

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 98, 14 December 1943, Page 6

TALKIES

At Southbridge

A STORY OF MODERN PARIS

Two brilliant young artists, introduced, as a romantic team are destined to zoom to overnight popularity in the picture," "Joan of Paris," which 'will be screened at Southbridge on Saturday. .They are Michele Morgan and Paul Henreid, impressively performing in this highly realistic drama of a modern Joan of Arc in captive France.

The story, which mirrors in flawless dramatic form the oppression of Paris by the Nazi Gestapo, begins with the parachute landing of Paul Lavallier, squadron leader of the famous Black-An<i-Wmte fighter squadron of the R.A.F., and four of his comrades in France, after they have been shot down in an encounter.

They rendezvous at the Paris church of Father Antoine, boyhood friend of Paul's. While the four flyers stay hidden in the sewers of Paris, Paul endeavours to arrange Sh escape back to England.

s Paul meets and is harboured by Joan, a barmaid, who falls in love with him and becomes involved in his escape plot. Joan delivers a message to Mile. Rosay, British spy in Paris, and immediately becomes marked by Gestapo Chief, Herr Funk, who has had Paul arrested,, then offered him his release, hoping by trailing Paul to apprehend the other flyers and the British spy as well.

Suspense is sustained at a high peak by the constant menace of the

Gestapo over Paul and Joan. The escape is ultimately arranged, but succeeds only because of the unswerving courage of the little barmaid, who, emulating her revered St., Joan, pays the supreme price, martyrdom for her beloved France .and her adored Paul.

High spots in the action are the poignant love scenes between Paul and Joan as they part; the dramatic escape of the flyers through the sewers of Paris reminiscent of the immortal adventure of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables"; and thrilling encounters with the dreaded Gestapo.