CLASSIC DICKENS FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22005, 11 January 1935, Page 13

CLASSIC DICKENS FILM

ATTRACTION FOR PI.AZA

The first novel by Charles Dickens to be made into a talking picture, " Great Expectations," will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. It has taken producers some considerable time to discover the rich vein of screen material hidden in this famous author's stories, but their realisation of the opportunities provided by his genius in devising plots and drawing characters is now bearing fruit. Ihe film has been described as a magnificent production which faithfully follows the original story. One critic says: ''Splendidly acted, photographed with an amazing fidelity to the period, and brilliantly directed, the film fully measures up to the standards unconsciously set by anyone who has read the book." The book might have been expressly written for the screen for its absorbing stor.v contains , scenes and characters to which only the camera and the art of the actor can do justice. There is the terrifying figure ot Macwitch, the escaped convict, looming up through the mist of the marshes to frighten young Pip; the eccentric Miss Havisham hiding from the sunlight in her wedding dress while cobwebs gather on the wedding cake; and Molly the gipsy woman, her wild fury subdued by the suave lawyer, .Taggers. To those who have read " Great Expectations " the picture will be a vivid re-creation of the book, while those who have not read it will realise the incomparable genius of Dickens as a storyteller. Ihe acting of the entire cast is outstanding and everv character comes to life with startling reality. The leading role is taken by Henry Hull, one of America s most prominent interpretative actors, but the portrayals of Florence Peed, Phillips Holmes and Jane A\yatt are of an equally high standard. Brilliant performances are also given by Alan Hale and Francis L. Sullivan.