EMBASSY THEATRE FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22400, 22 April 1936, Page 16

EMBASSY THEATRE FILM

"LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY" Adapted for the screen by Hugh Walpole and produced by David 0. Selznick, the film "Little Lord Fauntleroy" will open a season at the Embassy Theatre to-morrow. The picture follows closely the story by Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett of a little American lad who goes to England to live with his gruff grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. How the child's ways gradually soften the old man's heart until ho receives under his roof the lad's mother, daughter-in-law, is told in an attractive manner. It has an ending which brings joy to all concerned, particularly to the three central figures. The film is the first made by Selznick since he struck out as an independent producer. The wide experience gained in making the historical pictures, "David Copperfield," "Anna Karenina," "Viva Villa" and "A Tale of Two Cities," is apparent in the accuracy of detail in this film. The settings for much of the story are in an historic English castle and whether outside or inside they supply an atmosphere" fully as realistic as is obtained by reading the book. Chief interest centres in the young hero, a part taken by Freddie Bartholomew. The character has been much criticised aj being a maudlin one, but this young player quickly dispels any such idea. The decided bearing and unmistakable sincerity which he brings to the part prove highly attractive. The role is a difficult one, but is handled with a sure touch. Dolores Costello Barrymore makes a, reappearance after some years' absence from the screen and as the boy's mother' she is excellent. C. Aubrey Smith plays the gruff old earl with distinction, and a supporting cast headed by Henry Stephenson, Guy Kibbeo, Mickie Rooney and Una O'Connor shows uniform ability.