AN ARTISTIC GEM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 538, 22 August 1932, Page 3

AN ARTISTIC GEM.

George Arliss Film at the Plaza. “The Man Who Played God,” which tKJ*'. programme at the Plaza "produces a new high standard " ln •-'■'•'rtamment. It is an artistic gem. with George Arliss, the greatest arte,- of the talking screen, in his most “ nfsraati a 1?; When he appeared in Disraeli, George Arliss was acclaimed amt ® „■ n-T l Kmtleman of the screen, a-td in , lie Man Who Played God” lie thrh,^ar e ,mm r t.„ h „ e i Bht |hi i s SS of° the TubllS wKe r 1, 1t in S n l!;“ screen d, and it should have an ox,’em r n SA, r ;‘ n '".Christchurch. The role Arliss appears is one that calls for great histrionic ability, and , a truly In »P‘ring performance. ‘.l s.‘ St f r h -Y a capable supporting cgst chat has been selected with extreme “The Man Who Played God” is not enlivened with sonte'of'the’nmst°cle]?ghp ful humour that it is possible to car,, ceive, and, moreover, it is not a religious Play. It gets its title from the fact that a world-famous musician, who is stricken with deafness at the zenith of h, s Popularity, loses his faith in Hod and regain? it through a peculiar twist of fate which enables him to assist persons in extreme agitation of mind. The story is excellent entertainment, and the intermingling of humour and pathos gives it an appeal’ that is irresistible. The climax comes with a suddenness that is almost startling, and in this respect the artistry of the players and the producer is again revealed. Arliss has the role of the musiciana. man well advanced in years, who is loved by an impressionable young girl and also by an attractive widow. While playing before a Royal personage ho is rendered permanently deaf by a cruel fate, and the loss of his power makes him morose, cynical and over-bearing in his manner. Tie becomes extraordinarily adept at lip-reading, but this only adds to his misery until, after a tense scene in which he attempts to commit suicide, he gains a new interest in life bv rending the lips of the people in the park below his flat. In this wav he learns the secret troubles of mnnv people, and. unknown to them, is th« means of bringing happiness to innnv in dire distress. In this way be plavs Gorl to them, for the gifts which he 1 The new pleasure which be has found changes bis whole attitude tn life, and although his terrible affliction remains be becomes k>nd and considerate, and his greatest desire is to bring happiness to the world. Tin? story ends with a scene of great poignancy. The supporting cast includes Violet Homing. Ivan Simpson. Houise F*io«ser Hale, Rette Davis and Donald all of whom give excellent perTho supnorting programme is of unusual merit.