A DICKENS' CLASSIC.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13162, 21 January 1936, Page 5

A DICKENS' CLASSIC.

THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP

One ot the most popular and widely read of ail Dickens’ works is “The Old Curiosity Shop,” showing at the King's Theatre to-night, which tells the pathetic story of ‘Little Nell.” Some ol the great author’s most delightful and famous character creations are introduced in this wonderful work. Poor little Nell! Her story is one ot the most stirring in the whole library of English literature—tied to a lovable but poverty-stricken old grandfather, given to a terrible vice—gambling. When what little money lie possesses is all gambled away," lie goes to mortgage his shop, his sole remaining possession, to Quilp, a demoniacal, malicious dwarf. But he loses all the money thus gained, at cards almost immediately. A terror seizes him and when Quilp takes possession of all his goods and chattels and threatens to put him in the madhouse, he runs Away with Little Nell. And so begins the flight from anywhere to anywhere, with tin ever-present dread ol capture by Quilp. Outstanding shorts include “Cinesound Review, “Pictorial Novelty and “Canberra ’ (a scenic <>t exceptional interest) EXCITING AND SPECTACULAR. WEST POINT OF THE AIR. With the shrill sr ream of zooming airplanes as a. blood-stirring background, W a Mace Beery comes to the King’s Theatre screen in the most startling aviation spectacle of the year, “West Point oi the Air,” on M’.dnesdav (Anniversary Night). Just as' “Hell Divers” was the great air epic of the United States Navy, so is the new picture a breathtaking re velation of Uncle Sam s strength in the* Air Corps training •centres oi the Arrnv. Beery in his role as “Big Mike” gives a dramatic portrayal that surpasses even liis performance in ‘‘The Champ.” His pathetic love for a son whose conceit almost brings disgrace to /• the Air Corps builds into the foundation for on<» of the most smashing ■screen climaxes ever filmed. Heading the supporting east as the young romantic lead is Maureen O’Sullivan, who gives a freshness and vitality to her performance that will win many admirers Robert Young ns “Little Mike,” Beery’s son, gives a. notable performance.. The sliorts comprise the latest Metrotone News, “Opened by Mistake” (a Thelma Todd-I’atsv Kelly - <omedy) and “Busko’s Parlour * Pranks'*'* (a musical cartoon in gorgeous colour)..