“Blind Wives” at Tivoli

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6764, 23 January 1932, Page 3

“Blind Wives” at Tivoli

Whether caveman tactics arc an aid to marital happiness is the principle held up for the public’s opinion in "Blind Wives." In the case of a modern wife shown on the screen in this instance, interpreted by Genevieve Tobin, there can be lit tie doubt but that sho earned the knockout blow meted out to her by Conrad Kagei, a patient, "hen-pecked" hubby. Many husbands with five years’ experience will undoubtedly suggest a cheer for

Conrad Nagel’s sentiments and secretly wish that they could bo sufficiently hard-hearted to deliver an old-fashion-cd "haymaker" when friend wife starts nagging about that bridge party or tea he's been dodging for weeks. Conrad is most convincing as the long suffering husband whose temper is final-

ly ignited by the spark created by the family doctor’s stating that, domestic troubles could be simply solved by administering a. spanking to his wife. Miss Tobin, who made her screen debut in "A Lady Surrenders," has covered herself with glory and assured hersclt a place iti tho select, circle of film favourites through her performance in "Blind Wives." The story, which is an adaptation of Sidney Howard’s stago play, "Half Gods," leads one through the trials of a young married couple, up to the point where the wife is going to Reno for a divorce. Here the husband knocks her out and she discovers that sho never did want to leave him or her children. Monroe Owsley gives a most convincing performance as the husband’s "best friend" who later starts an affair with tho wife. Bertha Mann, also from the stage, and George Irving both, stand out in the supporting cast for their portrayals of tho wife’s sister and the law partner and godfather. Zasu Pitts, again portraying a comical maid,! makes her part one of the highlights of tho production. Others in the cast include Ilka Chase, Sidney Bracey and Slim Summerville. Hobart Henley, who recently made "Mother’s Cry," is duo much credit for his excellent work. Georgo Sidney and Charlie Murray are also cast in "Discontented Cowboys." A matinee is to be held to-day at 2.3(1 p.m.