"THE OLD DARK HOUSE"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21359, 7 December 1932, Page 14

"THE OLD DARK HOUSE"

ATTRACTION FOR ST. JAMES' " The Old Dark House," which will bo shown for the first time at St. James' Theatre on Friday, is one of the most thrilling films to reach the audible screen. It is a magnificent film with a magnificent cast. Jt includes Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart and Lilian Bond. Charles Laughton, who enacts the major role, is considered by Hannen Swaffer. one of the best critics of the theatro in London, to be the best comedian on the stage to-day. In " The Old Dark House" lie supplies welcome comic relief and makes screen history in the process. James Whale, was the producer. He also was responsible for " Journey's End." Concerning " The Old Dark House" an overseas critic says: —"If wo must have 'monster' and 'horror* pictures, the James Whale effort, 'The Old Dark House,' is a, film to he warmly recommended. Not only is it really thrilling, but the characterisation, tho dramatic vigour, the genuine suspense and shock of it are all in the first grade of achievement. It has humanity. The weird, creepy, eventful, exciting impetus of the story is never dropped for a second, and no better acting than that by Ernest Thosiger, Eva Moore, Brember Wills, Charles Laughton, Boris Karloff and others could be. wished for." The play, which is brilliantly acted, concerns mysterious happenings in a deserted liou.se occupied by a party of travellers who have sought shelter from a storm. The London Daily Mirror says:—"The play is splendidly staged and extremely well produced. As an entertainment it is a godsend."