OPERA HOUSE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 132, 1 December 1939, Page 4

OPERA HOUSE.

"South Riding."

Already hailed, by millions of critical film fans, as one of the most successful dramatic films of the " year, "South Riding," the filmisation of Winifred Holtby's best-selling novel of that title, is showing for a return season at the Opera House. The main characters are superbly played by a, distinguished cast headed by four popular stars, Ralph Richardson, Edna Best, Ann Todd, and Edmund Gwenn. The well-known story revolves around the intrigue of shire politics which takes place as a result of a scheme for slum clearance in the County of South Riding. Founder of the scheme is Astell (John Clements), a 'conscientious social reformer. Ralph Richardson is seen as the proud, conservative Squire Came, tragically burdened by poverty and a demented wife (Ann Todd). On the local council he is opposed to the housing scheme owing to being suspicious of the motives behind it. Sarah Burton (Edna Best), the newly appointed schoolmistress, is actively interested in the rehousing scheme. The mother of one of her most promising pupils has died in the local slums, which are known as "The Shacks." Sarah appeals to Came to drop his obstructive tactics. Their persistent clashing of viewpoint does not hide a mutual respect, a respect which grows into something deeper when Sarah learns of the tragedy of his private life. Carne's suspicion of the building scheme is well founded. Astell, unwittingly, accepts the support of two fellow-councillors, Snaith and Huggins, who intend making a" fat profit from the proposition. Events move quickly to a gripping climax which results in happiness for Came and Sarah, disgrace for the two plotters, and successful fruition of AstelPs housing plan.

An Irish woman who has lived in poverty for years in. New vSouth Wales has received a fortune of £8000 on the death of her uncle in Ireland.