POPULAR DICKENS NOVEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22194, 22 August 1935, Page 14

POPULAR DICKENS NOVEL

ATTRACTION FOR ST. JAMES' Opportunity to see living characters from one of Dickens' great novels will be given Auckland audiences in "David Copperfield," to be shown to-morrow at St. James' Theatre. To bring such a book as "David Copperfield" ito the screen in a form acceptable to all readers is a great achievement in itself and American studios have come through a very hard test with flying colours. Those who made "David Copperfield" set themselves the task of preserving the classic story, the famous characters, and the true atmosphere of Dickens and yet of cutting down the length of the novel enormously. Difficulty was added by the fact that Dickens painted his background, not as a whole, but by innumerable little touches. But the producers achieved success to a remarkable degree. Their choice of characters is possibly the chief reason, and the way the actors havo executed their roles, the second. What better actor than W. C. Fields could ha\e been chosen for a Alicawber? Who better than Edna May Oliver for an Aunt Betsy? True to the policy of preserving the right atmosphere, the smaller parts have been filled by distinguished, and, at the same time, suitable actors. Lionel Barrymore appears as Dan'l I'eggotty, and any doubts as to the wisdom of the choice are proved entirely unfounded, for a side to Mr. Barrymore's ability hitherto left untouched is brought to light. Previous experiments have proved that it is no easy matter to portray the peculiar people of the popular author without exaggerating their idiosyncrasies. Tho experiments have borne fruit in the supreme achievement of "David Copperfield." The danger of exaggeration or over-emphasis is a real one, and to avoid it actors of great experience and restraint must perforce be chosen. Lionel Barrymore is one of them, Lewis Stone is another. In fact, to enumerate them would mean practically to go through the cast. Deserving, perhaps, of special mention is Roland Young, cast as Uriah Heep, for he is .very convincing. His acting in this picture is firstclass. The picture might be summarised as a very ambitious attempt that has magnificently succeeded. "