The Tivoli

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6918, 23 July 1932, Page 3

The Tivoli

“THE SIN OR MADELON CLAUDET.’ ’ A star long popular on the Broadway stage became one of the “first, ladies of the screen with her first talking picture. “The Sin of Madclou Claudel,” initial Helen Hayes film vehicle, scored a definite success last night at the Tivoli theatre. Helen Hayes became the greatest money-making star of the New York stage with “Coquette,” “Dear Brutus” and “What Every Woman Knows.” Last night in hci initial screen appearance she display'd! to the full the distinctive charm and acting ability which have made her the toast of New York. In her first talkie role Miss Hayes is seen as Madeion Claudet, a young French girl who elopes to Paris with an American artist only to be bitterly disillusioned in love. When her lover deserts her, Madeion works in a laundry to support tier child. Her subsequent experiences, m which she first tastes the delights of a life of wealth and luxury, and is subsequently thrown into prison of her connection with a Count who turns out to be a jewel thief, make for a narrative which keeps its audience on the alert every second. Underlying the plot is a stirring theme < f mother love, for when Madeion comes out of prison she resorts to the most drastic measures to prevent her record as a

goal bird from ruining her boy's career. The brilliant direction of Edgar iSclwyn is apparent in every scene in this picture, which exemplifies a perfect handling of suspense, surprise climaxes and a rare feeling for moving and poignant situations. First honours in Miss Hayes' supporting company go to Lewis Stone, whose characterisation ot the bogus Count is the best he has ever done, with the possible exception of his portrayal of the gangster lawyer in “The Secret Six.” Neil Hamilton as the artist who kisses and runs away, docs excellently' by' an unsympathetic role, and Robert Young as the sou in the later scenes of the picture, proves himself a player well worth watching. Many laughs are supplied by Cliff Edwards and Marie Provost, ’who, as a newly-wedded couple who are always quarrelling, have numerous opportunities for some riotous scenes. Jean Hersholt, who can always be depended on for a fine characterisation, scores as the doctor. A matinee 11111 be held to-day at 2.30 p.m .