"SCARLET PIMPERNEL"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22100, 4 May 1935, Page 12 (Supplement)

"SCARLET PIMPERNEL"

CRITICS' LAVISH PRAISES London Filnis' production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel," shown in New York lor the ftrst tipie last month, in bailed as one of the finest pictures made in England, according to tho American correspondent of the London DaiLv Telegraph. " Stirring to the pulse and beautiful to the eye," declares tho New York Times, " it weaves the richly textured back-ground of those tingling months of the French Revolution into an enormously satisfying photo-play." Alexander Korda is praised lor having evoked charm and beauty in what might have been a dull costume piece, as miraculously as he did in " Henry VIII." and Harold Young, who directed, is singled out for special commendation. Leslie Howard's performance in the leading role, is however, tho principal cause of enthusiasm. Ho is held to be ideal for the part which tho Daily Mirror remarks he plays " with his usual dazzling brilliance." Merle Oberon, although held by some to be miscast, is admitted to be " dovastatingly beautiful." Except for Ernest Milton's Robespierre, all the minor parts are held to be extremely well done, especially the Prince Regent (Nigel Bruce). Chauvelin, the French Ambassador (Raymond Massey) and Romney (Melville Cooper).