REGENT THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25214, 1 May 1943, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

POWERFUL MYSTERY DRAMA A combination of sw.ift-moving action and. powerful drama goes to make “Crossroads,” which opened at the Regent Theatre yesterday, one of the year’s most entrancing productions. This highly dramatic film unfolds a story of romance and intrigue in Paris just prior to the present war. William Powell and Hedy Lamarr are teamed for the first time, and Claire Ttevor, Basil Rathbone, and Margaret Wycherly head the strong supporting cast. Powell plays the part of a French diplomat who is married to Miss •Lamarr. Just as Rathbone is made Ambassador to Brazil he and Miss Trevor concoct a blackmail plot against Powell. They present proof that he is living under a false identity and is really a criminal who robbed and murdered a man 15 years before. There is an intensely dramatic situation as Powell endeavours to prove his identity and to expose the plot. With the ghost of his forgotten past looming ominously, he probes for a solution, The film, produced by Edwin Knopf, is brightened with a background of the luxurious life of pre-war Parisian society. William Powell is excellent in his first serious role for some time, and Miss Lamarr gives an effective portrayal, Rathbone as tire suave and cunning blackmailer is convincing, and Miss Trevor gives an original performance as a cafe singer. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.