PAUL ROBESON TRIUMPH

Evening Star, Issue 22891, 24 February 1938, Page 2

PAUL ROBESON TRIUMPH

BIG FELLA' FOR STATE Since Paul Robeson made his first impression upon the world with his glorious bass, he has travelled far and played many parts. His career has been varied and interesting; he is known to all as the greatest negro personality of the day. But probably never has he appeared to better advantage than' in his latest film, ‘ Big Fella, which will open at the State to-morrow. Opposite him is the talented negro actress Elisabeth Welch, whose portrayal of a difficult emotional role in ‘ Song of Freedom,’ with Robeson, first claimed the notice of critics. Of course, this picture was made primarily to exploit Robeson’s glorious voice and appealing personality, and in this the makers, Gaumont-British, have succeeded admirably. His acting is delightful in a role different from any which he has had previously. With the exception of ‘ Show Boat,’ all Robeson’s big screen successes have been made in England, and ‘ Big Fella ’ is a splendid successor to 1 Sanders of the River ’ and ‘ Song of Freedom. In ' Big Fella ' _ Robeson comes to the screen in an original and congenial role. This film is novel, presenting him as a “different’’ kind of criminal catcher, in a dramatic story that also allows for many musical interludes. In ‘ Big Fella,’ Robeson is presented as a dockside worker in Marseilles, who is called in by the police to trace a small English boy, who has mysteriously vanished from a vessel in port. An intensive round-up of .criminals is made, but it is not until Robeson gets to work in a wary manner that any results are achieved. The whole tale is packed full of action and simple sentiment and filled with tuneful songs that have been composed for Robeson by Eric Ansell. A new child discovery will be seen in ‘ Big Fella.* The 14-year-old lad is Eldon Grant, who has already played a number of small film roles; in ‘ Big Fella ’ he is one of the principal players supporting Robeson, and his amazing ability and youthful personality have already been said to mark him as the most versatile child in British pictures to-day. The identity of Mrs Paul Robeson has puzzled many filmgoers and gossip news reporters. At one period the name of Nina Mae M'Kmney was thought to be. coupled with Robeson’s, then, later, Elisabeth Welch was thought to be the lucky lady. But both times rumour was wrong. The real Mrs Robeson plays a small role in ‘Big Fella.’ Mrs Robeson has never been seen in her husband’s films before, but overseas critics predict an increasingly successful career for her.