ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 238, 5 September 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

METEOR THEATRE, ‘ “poison PEN.” Flora Robson, Dowager Empress of All the Russians in “Catherino Tho Great” and red-haired, fiery Queen Elizabeth in “Fire Over England,” forsakes regal splendour and becomes tho Vicar’s sister in “Poison Pen,” showing at tho Meteor Theatre. Royal trappings mean nothing to this great artiste, tho discreetly dressed member of the Vicarage household is just as impressive, tho light of genius shines through as strongly sis ever. “Poison Pen” is a film whoso story can be ■ disclosed up to a certain point, but must stop short at naming the writer of the scurrilous letters that ruin the lives of many peaceful, innocont villagers. The revelation, when it comes, is amazing; the poor crazed mind that worked such havoc gives its justifications and tho tragic end is relieved by sympathy for the killer and killed. We believe this is Reginald Tate’s first film part; as the Vicar he has a very difficult role and acquits himself excellently well. Clergymen are rarely at their best on the screen and here is a notable exception. Laurels are also due to Robert Newton and Retie Chrystall as the headstrong labourer who also meets a stormylate through- the poison letters and his pretty little wife; they are but one of a series of cameos found in this far from ordinary film. STATE THEATRE. “WHAT WOULD YOU DO, CIIUMS?” Released by Gauniont-Britrsli-Domiri-ions, “What Would You Do, Chunis?” has an unusual title. It is an unusual film and as colourful a slice of English Cockney, life as has yet been screened. Not one character in the film is exaggerated, and everyone holds the attention. The story is simple and direct and not over-highlighted, hut it counts less than do its characters. 'The chief of these is a kindly old Coster who peddles junk at the markets. His interest in life is generous, extensive, understanding; his knowledge of human fiailties never blinding him to tho better sido of human nature. Sentimental but shrewd, he dispenses tho milk of 'human kindness without any sentimentality, and when a young girl who looks after, linn in his tenement house becomes engaged to a new arrival in their lodging house,, lie encourages the engagement with caution. In tho markets he is a favourite figure, and chairman of the Costers’ committee looking alter Costermongers’ interests. The great British film, “I Was a Spy,” on its first issue, so thoroughly deserved the packed houses which greeted it everywhere that tho present re-issue during the present war against the Hitlerites is more than justified. In its essentials the story has all the simplicity of greatness. It tells the true emotional and factual history of the young Belgian woman, Martha McKenna, who, with her parents, was in the town of Roulers in 1915, after the Germans had occupied it to make it a base behind the lines.