"AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21099, 5 February 1932, Page 12

"AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY.

VIVID DRAMA AT CIVIC. Theodore Dreiser's relentless exposure of modern society, "An American Tragedy," deftly transferred to the screen by Joseph von Sternberg, will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-day. Phillips Holmes, Sylvia Sidney and Frances Dee are each splendid as the three youthful characters, .who form tho essence of the impolling story of young people made victims of their environment. Holmes, remembered for his mature portrayals in " The Criminal Code " and "The Devil's Holiday," brings just the right air of boyish earnestness to the part of the unfortunate youth driven to desperation by his ambition to succeed in life. Miss Sidney is excellent in the part of a lonely factory worker who consents to a secret love affair with the idealistic youth, only to be deserted by him when ho realises that a beautiful society girl is genuinely affectionate toward him. Miss Dade endows the part of the wealthy girl living in the lap of luxury with an austere beauty which lends her performance added charm. An overseas critic says: " 'An American Tragedy ' is the agc-oid story of a weak, ambitious, likable boy; a lonely 'good girl and her rich feminine rival. It marches remorselessly through its human phases. You live with its characters. There are no heroes or villains iu this story—it deals entirely with average human beings. It is rooted in the earth. It has an elemental force that leaves you awed, profoundly moved." In addition to tho three principal players, all the other artists contribute lively characterisations. There are Irving Pich'el. noted actor of " Murder by the Clock," in the part of a politically-ambi-tious prosecuting* attorney; Arnold Korff, in the part of the judge; Claire McDowell and many others too numerous to mention.

Although Paramount Pictures purchased the film rights to this astounding drama five years ago, it awaited the perfection of the audible screen beforo producing the picture. Mr. von Sternberg has shown himself a director of imaginative skill by his production of " Morocco " and " Dishonoured."

The supporting films include a recent issue of the Paramount British Sound News, containing a thrilling wrestling exhibition, tho second of tho series of screen souvenirs, and a most ingenious animated sound cartoon.