ST. JAMES THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 15

ST. JAMES THEATRE

"Wives Under Suspicion."

"Wives Under Suspicion," a picture of souls in conflict, is one of the most gripping photoplays of the season. The fierce emotions that are released when jealousy enters the soul is the theme oi this powerful drama, starring Gail Patrick and Warren William, which opens tomorrow at the St. James Theatre. Directed by James Whale "Wives Under Suspicion" presents William in the role of the district attorney who has become dehumanised as he devotes his entire mind and attention to securing convictions at any price. Normally a kind and just man, he finally reaches the point where his wife finds her love for him fading. He is saved from himself only by becoming involved in a chain of circumstances which leads him to the verge of killing her. His revulsion, when he finds his suspicions were groundless, leads him to save one of his "legal victims from the electric chair, and by so doing ne wins regeneration and ultimate happiness for himself. As the district attorney, Warren William gives a performance of tremendous force and penetration in this gripping story. He brings about the change of character in the man-hunting official with great conviction. Miss Patrick is superb as his neglected wife, and brings much beauty and tenderness to a grand role. Young Lundigan gives a portrayal that marks him as a young actor who bears . watching as definite star material. Connie Moore as his vivacious sweetheart' is very appealing and pretty. The other players in the cast have been chosen with Whale's infallible sense of the right actor for the role. Samuel S. Hinds and Ralph Morgan have the best roles they have played in several seasons. There are other fine characterisations by Cecil Cunningham, Jonathan Hale, Anthony Hughes, James Flavin, and Lillian Yarbo.