OCTAGON

Evening Star, Issue 23508, 23 February 1940, Page 10

OCTAGON

It is fitting that for its opening attraction, the Octagon will screen tonight such a notable contribution to the screen as ‘ The Man in the Iron Mask,’ a picture that has thrilled audiences wherever it has been shown. It is the screen version of Alexandre Dumas’s historical romance which presented such a logical solution to one of tho greatest mysteries in tho history of France—the identity of the man who suffered the terrible fate of wearing a complete headpiece of iron. The mystery is one that has caught the imagination of countless thousands and has been the subject of many investigations, but to-day it still remains unsolved. Now on tjie screen, Louis Hayward, in a striking adaptation of the book, plays the role of the ill-fated prisoner who, for reasons which can only bo surmised, was condemned to spend his life inside a mask of iron. Whatever the real secret hidden behind that impenetrable barrier, Dumas was certainly not far from the truth, and his is the story of the film. Hayward plays the dual roles of King Louis XIV. of France and his twin brother Philippe with sureness, fire, and deep sincerity, portraying tho cruel monarch on the one hand and his light-hearted brother on the other. Neither of the roles handled by this young actor is easy to play, and both are capitally interpreted by Hayward, who was launched on his starring career by Edward Small in ‘ The Duke of West Point,’ Joan Bennett, still appearing as a svelte brunette, is cast as the beautiful Maria Theresa of Spain and returns one of the most stirring performances of her successful screen career. This is one of the * Three Musketeer ’ stories, and this dashing trio plays a prominent part in the picture by their endeavours to free the imprisoned prince. A charming romance develops between Philippe and Maria Theresa, Infanta of Spain, who is betrothed to Louis.