LES MISERABLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 1 February 1936, Page 4

LES MISERABLES

“Les ’ Miserablcs,” is a novel which lends itself admirably to film treatment, both because of the wide range of the action.and the strong characterisation, which in the hands of capable players gives, opportunity for acting of the first order. The film version, can only bo given the highest praise; it fulfils every expectation raised by the name of’this famous novel, and adds to the fine interpretation of Victor Hugo’s book the additional merits of thoughtful and sympathetic individual acting and film production and photography of a quality as good as any that lias yet been seen. The cast comprises a bracket of outstanding actors, any one of whom would be a sufficient recommendation for a picture.

Frederic March, who takes the leading role, that of Jean Valjean, lias appeared recently in several films, which demand both characterisation and emotional acting, and lie has .seldom had such a chance as this to show his ability. He docs not falter once in this difficult role, in which the dramatic intensity must not be allowed to flag for a moment, and the personality of one niiiii must be sutained through the series of changes in his outward appearance that follow his adaptation to his every new environment.

Exciting Boxing Film Those who like full-blooded, exciting entertainment will be pleased to bear that a film of the fight between Max Baer and Joe Louis, the negro boxer, is now showing in Nelson in conjunction with “Men Without Names.” The. film gives a- true idea of Louis’s tremendous punch. It is the opinion of American sports writers that Joe Louis is the greatest lighter of all time. He is just as fast as Dempsey ever was, just as cruel with the gloves, and the same hard hitter. In one respect he betters Dempsey. Dempsey believed that the best defence was a fierce offence. For that reason he never bothered about protecting liimself. But Joe Louis is a great defensive lighter greater than Jack Johnson, as great even as Joe (lans, the kind (hat can maintain a title for 10 years after they have lost their punch. ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Film Star’s Death John Gilbert, the cinema star, who died from a heart attack at bis home in Hollywood, bad been ill for 24 hours, and under the care of a nurse. She sent an urgent call to a physician,- who, in turn, summoned the Fire Department inha lat.or squad, which pumped air into the actor’s lungs for 80 minutes, without avail.

Since bis divorce from Virginia. Bruce, in 1934, Gilbert bad been liv- ( inn alone in a large bouse in the Bela in district, between Hollywood and the ocean.