ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 199, 23 July 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “THE GREAT BARRIER.” It is not often that “ one comes away from the theatre these days feeling that one has witnessed something really “big,” something that will live in tho memory long after other things arc forgotten, but I this is tho way one leaves “The' Great [ Barrier,” produced as a film in the lovely outdoor scenery of Canada’s Rockies, which commences its season at tho State Theatre to-night at 10.30. This picture can safely he labelled an “epic” of the grandest type, telling as it does of the construction of the Canadian Pacific railway. The producers, who made a similar type of film successfully in “Rhodes of Africa,” name this an Empire film, and it really is. No person or British subject interested in the building of the Enipire can afford to miss this, for its sincerity of production and historic interest, apart from the thrilling action and carefully-woven romance, undoubtedly puts it amongst the finest productions of its kind. Based on “The Great Divide,” written by Allan Sullivan, tho producer, Milton Rosmcr, lias handled the stcry in a most praiseworthy manner —giving attention to every detail of historic and fictional interest with convincing results. The story of the film centres around two young men in search of adventure named Ilickey (played by Ridhard Allen) and Steve (Barry Mackav), who find their way to the Canadian Pacific railway, which is in the late stages of construction. Mary Moody (Antoinette Collier), daughter c!f one of tho “railway bosses,” is hero, and they meet her, Steve making up to her; but she rather likes Hickey who, however, affects disinterest in women. Through a fight in which they become involved at the “LYt-Trap Tavern,” where the charm ing Lou (Lilli Palmer) entertain? them, they are arrested, and through tho lack of money to pay tho fines, are forced to work on the railroad. Ilickey soon shines as a leader and becomes, a foreman. Mary tries to influence her father in his favour, and when a small party of men are selected to prospect for the final and most important pass through which the railroad is to cross the Hockey Mountains, Ilickey and Steve go with it'. From this point, the film moves to an exciting climax, in which the principal players encounter adventure and hardship, and the desirable pass is located. Richard Arlcn has never been seen to such advantage. He has played in many American films with conspicuous success, hut “ITiekrv” | seems to be just right for him. Lilli Pal- ! mor, attractive Viennese blonde, plays the lole Of Lou and steals every scene in which she appears. j REGENT THEATRE. “DARK JOURNEY.” A spy drama magnificently presented, and with an arresting theme,'comes to the Regent Theatre at the 10.30 p.m. session | to-night. It is “Dark Journey” which was produced for Igmdoii Films by Victor Saville, English director of repute. Throe , already privileged to sec Conrad VeiHt , and Vivien Leigh, a beautiful actress who; lias had a phenomenal screen career, in this stirring film, agree that, it is ’ outstanding entertainment. Stockholm during the Great War years provides the backgrounds of the story, a thrilling and romantic one of counter-espionage. Conrad Veidt has a strong dramatic role as a German spy who is torn between duty and love. Although a neutral capital, Stockholm was a happy hunting ground for spies of all nations. Baron Karl von Manvitz, an apparent deserter from the German navy, seeks peace in the frivolity of the capital’s

gay life. He falls in love with Madedeinc Godard, who6o shop provides a cloak and means of communication with Paris for her political activities. The story is strong and full of surprising situations. Thrilling highlights include the encounter of a Swedish packet-boat with a German U-boat and many other sea battles. There are scenes depicting with stark reality a combat between a Q-ship and a German submarine, resulting in the destruction of the latter. Realism characterises the acting of the two I principals. Conrad Veidt, one of the most distinguished pupils of Max Reinhardt, needs no commendation; his successes arc too numerous. With Vivien Leigh, who wa3 such an outstanding success in “Fire Over England” and who is one of the highest salaried actresses on tho screen to day, he develops the emotional theme with a fine quality of restraint. Behind their romance, mysterious occurrences cast a shadow over their happiness; though love becomes the dominant emotion of their lives, they are honour bound to destroy one another. How they survive the menace of death and go forward to .a prospect of a new life makes an exceedingly exciting film. For production purposes, tho cooperation of the navy, of the Swedish and others, was obtained. Besides Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh, the strong cast includes Joan Gardner, Anthony Busliell, Ursula Jeans, Margery Pickard, Eliot Makcham, Austin Trevor and Sam Livcscy. “Dark Jcnrney” will bo released by United Artists.