DRAMATIC FILM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20740, 6 December 1930, Page 16

DRAMATIC FILM.

"MANSLAUGHTER" FOR CIVIC.

One of the most notable films the Paramount studios have produced, "Manslaughter," has been secured by the management of tho Civic Theatre for a season to open shortly. Three of tho most outstanding personalities who have come into prominence since the introduction of talking films, George Abbott, the well-known director, Claudette Colbert and Fredric March, are largely re sponsible for the success that has attended the picture wherever it has been shown in England and America. Mr. Abbott has earned a reputation for his unusual and clover treatment of his themes and for the fine photography of the settings. Claudette Colbert, in tho leading role, is a talented young French artist who first gained public attention in "Young Man of Manhattan" and whose later successes included "The Lady Lies" and "The Big Pond." Fredric March has been a prominent Paramount artist for some time, but his greatest success in the talking pictures was in "Sarah and Son," in which he played opposite to Ruth Chatt.erton. Tho story is based on Alice Duer Miller's novel of tho same name, which created much public attention when it appeared. It is the story of n wealthy girl, carefree, careless and thoughtlessly selfish. When she falls in love with the serious-minded and ambitious young district attorney she resents his criticism of her mode of life. Then tragedy overtakes her wild career and she faces a term in prison with the attorney fighting against her. Her love turns to hate when she finds that all her wealth and infiue'ice, her beauty and her wiles are unable to save her from justice. In prison she finds a ruthless system among people who recognise no social distinctions. Sullen at first, she learns the true bitterness of isolation. Then later she finds tho worth of people beneath their exteriors and she becomes more friendly. For a short time after being freed from prison her passion for revenge on tho attorney is strong, but later new forces operating within her complete her regeneration, and the picture ends on a happy note. The film is remarkable not only for its intensely dramatic scenes, but for its vivid characterisations.