“TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL DAYS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24431, 17 October 1940, Page 5

“TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL DAYS”

IMMORTAL BOYS’ STORY FILMED

One ot the most widely read books in all England, and among the four most popular books in the English language, " Tom Brown’s School Days," Thomas Hughes’s schoolboy classic, comes to the screen of the Octagon Theatre to-mor-row as a powerful entertainment with a notable cast headed by Sir Cedric Hardwlcke, Freddie Bartholomew and young Jimmy Lydon. A " best-seller ” since its publication in 1857, “ Tom Brown's School Days ” records the experiences of Its resolute hero and his young friends which have enthralled millions of readers. In addition, the book had a notable social impact of which author Hughes had never dreamed. It was prlmarly written by Hughes to glorify the work of Dr Thomas Arnold, under whom Hughes had studied, who Introduced the honour system which corrected the evil bullying at Rugby and elsewhere, and which has been the basis of civilised 'schooling throughout the world ever since. Sir Cedric Hardwlcke, one ot the screens foremost character actors, depicts the historic headmaster of Rugby. Sixteen-year-old Jimmy Lydon plays the story's nominal hero, while young Bartholomew Is seen as his classmate. East. Robert Stevenson directed R.K.O. Radio s " Tom Brown’s School Days.” a Gene Towne-Graham Baker production, with Josephine Hutchinson, Billy Halop, Ernest Cossart, Gale Storm and Hughie Green in other prominent parts.