Cosy Theatre, Woodville

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 187, 9 August 1940, Page 2

Cosy Theatre, Woodville

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK l Lovely Joan Bennett and handsome Louis Hayward are romantically teamed for the first time in the tense and thrilling story of ‘‘The Man in the Iron Mask, * * the new Edward Small romantic drama of the reign of Louis XIV of France, which screens at the Cosy Theatre, Woodville, to-night and to-morrow. This new production features in its supporting cast such topnotch players as Warren William, Joseph Sehildkraut, Alan Hale, Miles Mander, Bert Roach, Walter Kingsford, Marian Martin, Montagu Love and Doris Kenyon. The Btory of “The Man In the Iron Mask” is based on the novel by Alexander Dumas and dramatizes the enmity and hatred between King Louis XIV of France and his twin brother Philippe, j Until he is about to execute his own [brother for treason, the cruel monarch is unaware that he has a twin. I.earning the news, he fears that a plot to dethrone him in his brother’s favour may bear fruit and he decides to put Philippe out of the way for good. Ho has him encased in the monstrous iron mask, one of the grimmest forms of torture used in those gory days. The film brings back to the screen the swashbuckling, fearless Three Musketeers and introduces several scenes of fencing and swordplay. Portraying the Mmsketeers are Warren William, Alan Hale and Miles Mander, -tfliile Louis* crafty minister is portrayed by Joseph Schild kraut. Joan Bennett, looking more beautiful and arresting than ever in her brunette tresses, plays the part of the piquante and quick tempered Maria Theresa ol Spain, betrothed to Louis to cement th< two countries. A special full-length Popeye cartooT in technicolour, “ Aladdin and Hii Wonderful Lamp,** is included in th< first half.