REMARKABLE ACTING.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20340, 25 June 1934, Page 3

REMARKABLE ACTING.

Conrad Veidt Magnificent as “ The Wandering Jew.” Conrad Veidt, by common consent one of the greatest actors of the day, gives a magnificent portrayal in “ The Wandering Jew.” which entered the second week of its successful season at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. The broad sweep of the drama of the Jew who offended Christ and was condemned to remain upon the earth everlastingly, has been captured perfectly in the film version, which has been brilliantly directed bv Maurice Elvev, one of the most capable producers in Britain. In each of the four phases of the Jew's life, Veidt is equai to every demand made upon his histrionic ability, lie gains his effects by sheer force of personality and shuns exaggeration in one of the most impelling characterisations he has given the screen. He surpasses even his performances in “ Rome Express ” as the international thief, or as the German commandant in “ I Was a Spy.” From first to last, the scenes in “ The Wandering Jew ” have been treated with the utmost distinction, and they never fail to convince. Wonderful pictorial reconstructions of the past ages, realistic settings, and skilful handling of the many crowd scenes are among the outstanding features of this great picture, which ranks with such masterpieces as “ Ben Hur ” and “ Quo Vadis?” Conrad Yeidt’s artistry dominates the play in every phase. As Matathias, who reviles- Christ on His wav to Calvary; as the unknown knight from whom a woman recoils in horror when she realises that the lips that have kissed her spat on Christ; at Matteo, the wealthy merchant of Palermo, whose wife leaves him for the Christ he defied; and finally as Matteos Battadios, the doctor of Seville, beloved by rich and poor, he is superb. Owing to the length of the main film, the supporting programme is confined to a recent issue of the Pathe Gazette, which covers a wide range of interest.