Gary Cooper Triumphs In "Peter Ibbetson” Role

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 65, 18 March 1936, Page 11

Gary Cooper Triumphs In "Peter Ibbetson” Role

DU MAURIER’S FAMOUS NOVEL COMES TO THE SCREEN

(Regeut: Screening Wednesday Next.) With the filming of George Du Mauner’s immortal love masterpiece “Peter Ibbetson,’’ Paramount not only produced a cinematic achievement, but Gary Cooper, unquestionably the star cf the piece, in name as well as in fact, accomplished something in the nature of a personal triumph in his noteworthy characterisation cf the title role.

Cooper reveals himself possessed of talents that, until now, have had no chance or particular medium of expression. Just as in. ‘‘Lives of a Bengal Lancer,” the lantern-jawed star was given an opportunity for an unforget table portrayal, so again he measures up to tho high standard created by predecessors in the stage and operatic versions of “Peter Ibbetson.” In his newest performance, Cooper surpasses anything ho has yet done on the screen, bringing sympathy, rugged sincerity, and a tender honesty to the role of Du Maurier’s famous character.

Cast as the tragic figure, the Duchess of Towers, Ann Harding also covers herself with glory in a difficult role. The blonde actress lends the proper touch, of distinction and dignity, at the same time giving her part the aura of femininity and sense of old-fashioned romance it requires. Miss Harding portrays the Duchess with an emotional depth that has charm as well as effectiveness, combining tho ethereal moments with, delicate realism.

“Pete Ibbetson,” as a screen production, has captured the dream-lilco qual ity that distinguished the novel, the play and tho opera, but has added more than all three. With the added advantages of scope and range that the screen gives, the picture gains both as a fantasy and as a realistic work. Set in the romantic period of the early Victorian era, Diskie Mooro and Virginia Wcidler representing Cooper and Miss Harding, respectively, as children, are next door playmates in ParisTheir childhood friendship is cut short, but years later their paths cross again in a curious way. Fate throws the beloved “Mimsey” of his youthful days in his way as another’s wife. Scarcely has their romance begun tow bud, and they have tasted their first happiness together, when the jealous husband threatens to shoot Cooper, and in the ensuing argument is himself accidentally killed. Cooper is subsequently sentenced to life in prison. From this point on, their lives become a dream phantasy in which each joins the other in a beautiful, unfailing love that covers the span of a lifetime, though prison walls aro the physical, earthly barrier which separates them. Their moments together, in their dream world, arc especially heart-stirring ones, tragic but skilfully blended wth faith, tenderness and romance. Tho transition from tho real to tho dream realm is adeptly managed. Credit for this splendidly executed illusory conception goes to Henry Hathaway, director, whose fine hand combined these two mediums so expertly.