"AS YOU LIKE IT"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22805, 12 August 1937, Page 15

"AS YOU LIKE IT"

FILM FOR CIVIC THEATRE Shakespeare's genius is effectively revealed in "As You Like It," the British Gaumont Dominions picture, which is to commence a season tomorrow at the Civic Theatre. The beauty of the film is largely dependent on the interpretations of'the leading roles contributed by actors and actresses who :have reached the highest .rank on the British stage. : The outstanding player is Elisabeth Bergner, whose portrayal, of Rosalind is in the last degree convincing. Her current appearance, following her triumphs in "Escape Me Never," and more recently in "Dreaming Lips," should establish her as the leading actress of her type on tho screen to-day. The most exacting and critical could not see this film with any emotions other than admiration and delight, for, free from the limitations of the stage, the play is prcs'ented in colourful manner, probably as the playwright himself, as well as- those wllo have read the play and seen it acted, have conceived it. Following so closely upon tho success of the dramatic "Romeo and Juliet," "As You Like It" will do much to popularise Shakespeare on the screen. The film. was produced by Dr. Paul Czinner, Elisabeth Bergner's husband, and_ he has, closely adhered to the original lines of the play, although for the purposes of tho cinema tho picture is rather shorter than tho original. Nevertheless, many of tho finest and best-known, passages are preserved. Tho main themo of the story, moreover, has been followed with considerable care. "As You Like It" should prove beyond doubt that tho screen is the best method of introducing Shakespeare's plays to children, and this film should be well patronised by juvenile audiences. Laurence Olivier is responsible -for a capable portrayal of Orlando, while a pleasing Celia is provided bj' Sophie Stewart. Others prominent in the cast are Henry Ainley, as the banished duke, and Leon Quartermaine, as Jacques. In the comedy roles a number of exceedingly amusing characterisations are contributed.