'HIS LADY'

Evening Star, Issue 19839, 12 April 1928, Page 5

'HIS LADY '

Tho screen edition of the Abbe Prevost’s historical romance entitled ‘ Manon Lcscaut’ will open at the Empire Theatre to-morrow. ‘ His Lady ’ is the title under which Manon comes to the sween, with that natural actor, John Barrymore, in the classic role of the Chevalier Fabien des Grieux; Dolores Costello as the frail lady (Manon) makes as vivid an impression ns the great Barrymore; -while Warner Gland and Sam De Grasse, as two very despicable characters, supply the necessary clement of villainy. The story of Manon Lescaut and Des Grieux, interrupted by incursions on to the romantic scone" by wealthier lovers to oust the poor Ciicvalicr, and Manon’s disagreeable brother, is one of the many famous love stories that have been handed down from tho Franco of the Louis —love stories that number among their characters those notorious women, Du Barry, De Montespan, Pompadour, and Louise de la Valliere. Into this glamorous array enters Manon, first seen in her stage coach being taken off to a convent, convenient institutions in Imperial France for fractions or homely daughters. Also on the route is Fabien des Grieux, serious, contained, absorbed witli thoughts of piety and celibacy, a seminary student. Manon and Fabien, through the medium of exchanged glances, forget all thoughts of the inner life; Paris, with her fabulous offerings of gaiety and pleasure, beckons, where for a brief space the famous pair live royally on the earnings of Dos Grieux at cards. The old, old story then becomes still older with the advent of old and wealthy suitors for the favors of the matchless Manon. The court is even visible, but the “frail lady,” as someone called her successor, Camille, could not see through the mists of profligacy, the evil shadow of the convict ship heading for tho infamous Devil’s Island; nor could she see revolution running loose in the streets nor the mob thirsting for her spendthrift blood. But still “his” lady through it all, though estrangements occur and beauty and leisure disappear, this deathless pair of lovers brave the flood, issuing whit© as snow. A romantic drama of classic leanings with fine tragedy and finer romance shining through its fabric.

The usual standard of musical entertainment has been prepared for the orchestra, under the baton of Mr Chas. P.arnell.