GEORGE ARLISS AT PLAZA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 470, 3 June 1932, Page 3

GEORGE ARLISS AT PLAZA.

Reviewing “Alexander Hamilton,” 1 which is now showing at the Plaza j Theatre, an English publication r*e--1 marked, “ A George Arliss picture j —that’s enough.” Arliss is a won- ! derful character actor, and as ! ” Disraeli ” was a perfect piece ; of work, so. too, is ’* Alexander Hamilton.” Hamilton and Disraeli would have appreciated each other. Both were of the same t\pe, and each had but one object the welfare of their country. Hamilton came to the fore in America’s critical period, a time when she had gained her independence, but was in grave danger of sacrificing her honour. Arliss achieves the heights of artistry in his characterisation all through the picture, but he was never so impressive as when Hamilton waited at his home, alone, for the blow to fall. His beloved wife, Betty, against whom slander was aimed, was leaving him; his shame was being cried in the streets; and in the Senate was being discussed the very Bill for which he had striven so hard. Arliss was magnificent, and when the verdict came, a complete triumph for Hamilton, his wonderful art was manifested again. “ Alexander Hamilton ” is a notable picture, not only for the depth and dramatic value of the story, nor even for the acting of Arliss, though that gives it its greatest feature. It is a perfectly directed picture, in which history takes on the colour and force of the men who made it. The supporting programme is good.