REALISM OF WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20637, 8 August 1930, Page 16

REALISM OF WAR.

FILM AT THE CIVIC. Tho film "All Quiet on the Western Front" offers many surprises and there could not bo many among the large audience which witnessed the opening screening at the Civic Theatre last overling who did not find it an amazing production. From all tho conflicting impressions which emerge after viewing tho picture one fact at least stands out clearly —it presents tho realism of war in a way which has never before been attempted. Apart altogether from (he controversial psychology of "All Quiet,,'' its presentation of bombardments and actual fighting is without doubt the finest and most convincing thing of its kind that the screen has yet offered to the public. Another featuro is the magnificent acting of all thoso who are concerned in the picture. Throughout tho film this impression lasts. Lovvis Ayres gives an excellent portrayal of tho part of Paul Baumer, the character who is most closely studiod by tho author of tho book. Ho will appeil to many as being to the greatest extent typical of tho boy soldier as wo conceive him to bo. Thoro is in his character more of the attractive wholesomoness of young manhood than ono is permitted to see in tho other characters. Young Kemmerich, who loses a leg and gradually wastes away in hospital while his comrades wait for his death, is very finely played by Ben Alexander. Then thoro is tho unforgettable Katcinsky, with his ruthless and readymade philosophy, who acts as father and mothor to tho bunch of high school boys who are thrown into his depicted company. If ono wore to find nothing else to commend ono must be grateful to Louis Wolheim for his masterly portrayal of this part. Ho is Katcinsky as Itemarquo must havo visualised him. And above all ho is a koon humorist, although his humour is very grim at times. "All Quiet" has its great moments which stand out sharply in the memory. There is tho harangue delivered to his pupils by tho village schoolmaster, in which he urges them forth to tho dangers which ho is too old to risk. There is the first bombard ment, with its quivering shatter of earth and mud and stones, its whine of shells and stabbing flashes of light. And there is tho unforgettable climax. Paul is seen standing in tho trench on a warm spring afternoon. Suddenly lie sees 'a butterfly a foot or two in front of him on Hip parapet. Unthinking, he stretches forth an arm, bringing his head into view. There is tho lovelling of ari enemy sniper's rifle, a whip-crack and a shrill whine and the hand goos limp. No scene in the picture expresses so completely tho futility of everything. Owing to the length of "All Quiet" the supporting programme is very short. A Paramount news reel of general intorest is shown and an excellent orchestral solection is played by tho orchestra under Mr. Howard Moody.