LONDON THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 981, 26 May 1930, Page 16

LONDON THEATRE

“HIGH TREASON” “High Treason,” the first of a series of fine British films is now at the London Theatre. Hitherto, most of the sound and dialogue films shown in this country have either presented stories of the stage or crime, and in consequence, an insistent demand for “something different has arisen. “High Treason” breaks the spell of stereotyped talkies more than that it is sufficiently unusual to be distinctive in film entertainment. It presents in picture 1940 when the peace movement has grown to large enough proportions to take militant action to prevent war. No greater theme could be found for dramatisation at this day, when the whole world is seeking a way to permanent peace; but it may be remarked that since the primary purpose of this film is entertainment and not propaganda, the producers have wisely woven the world's greatest theme, the omnipotence of love in all ages and the triumph of humanity In 1940, we shall live in a mechanised world, civilisation may be tottering, but the human heart and women’s assertion of their power will save the situation. This is what is pictured in the story of two great Federations of ►States, those of Europe and those of America, on the verge of a war which is prevented by the action of the founder of the Peace League, in shooting the President of the Federated European States as lie is about to broadcast a declaration of war to the world. The trial of the man who killed another to save the world, is a martyrdom which provides the dramatic climax of the film. Splendid supports ai*e also being presented.