"DODSWORTH"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22574, 12 November 1936, Page 16

"DODSWORTH"

EMBASSY THEATRE FILM r Based on a novel by Sinclair Lewis, whose Nobel prize-winning novel, "Arrowsmith," made such successful screen entertainment some years ago; and adapted for tho screen by the Pulitzer Prize-winner, Sydney Howard, "Dodsworth," the Samuel Goldwyn production, which is to commence a season at the Embassy .Theatre to-day, is reported to be a perfect example oi the art of the motion picture producer. Like its noteworthy predecessors, "These Three," "The Dark Angel" and 4 'Arrowsmith, >s the film reveals the same honesty and frankness of purpose and it is every bit as convincing in its deep understanding of human nature. It has been received with marked enthusiasm overseas and it is confidently | expected that it will rank among the best pictures of the year. 'The film opens with the retirement of Sam Dodsworth, who, after a hard but successful career, is looking forward to 'enjoying his first taste of real leisure and travel. To his wife, Fran, however, travel means one last period of romance bfefore she settles down to the quiet' respectability of middle-age. The couple sail for Europe on the liner Queen Mary and Fran has her first flirtation on board ship. Arrived in Paris, she becomes involved with a dubiously ''smart" sot and leaves her husband alone to amuso himself as he pleases while she dances in all the gayest restaurants with tho worldly Arnold Iselin and tho handsome Kurt von Obersdorf. In spite of her husband's unselfishness, Fran ruthlessly divorces him when she receives an offer of marriage from von Obcrsdorf, and Dodsworth wandering about Europe alone falls in love with a Mrs. Cortwright. In the midst of his new found happiness, Fran's marriage plans fail and frantically she send? for him. He leaves all prospects of his own happiness to return to her. hut realisiiMj,, at last her worthlessness he goei \>a<m woman he loves. Wal ter\ Huftttnigi re?, a masterful performance' as Dodsworth, while Ruth Chattertori ns;i?ran, and Mary Astor a» the sympathetic Mrs. Cortwright aie equally outstanding.. Paul Lukas and David Niven head tho talented support- ' ling cast. I