PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 69, 23 March 1935, Page 16

PLAZA THEATRE

“THE WHITE PARADE.” One of the most human, compelling and dramatic screen narratives in years, Jesse L. Lasky’s ‘ ‘The White Parade,” which opened at the Plaza Theatre yesterday, is hereby recommended as superlative entertainment. It is a story with a soul! “The White Parade” may safely be described as an extaordinary picture. Extraordinary not only in its material, but in the approach of Director Irving Cummings and Producer Lasky to the telling of their story. It is a gripping and a poignant drama, and the manner of its presentation—buoyant, easy, skilful —■ is a distinct contribution to screen history. In keeping with the theme and spirit of the production, “The White Parade” is dedicated to the memory of the immortal Florence Nightingale, founder of modern Cursing, and the idol and pattern of those who pursue this professiin. Loretta Young offers a masterly performance as the young student nurse who is the heroine. The film follows her schooling from the day of her enrolment, until just graduated, she has to make her choice between the man she loves, John Boles, and the service whose true meaning has become every day more clear to her. John Boles contributes a splendid characterisation as the rich young sailor who. baffled by the elusive secret of these girl nurses, seeks to persuade her that her life lies with him. There are memorable performances also by Dorothy Wilson, Muriel Kirkland and Astrid Allwyn, among the heroine’s comrades, and by Jane Darwell and Sara Haden, as veteran nurses who are their superiors “The White Parade” has been adapted by Sonya Levien and Ernest Pascal from a screen, story by Rian James and Jesse Lasky, Jr. This last in turn was based on Rian James’ novel of the same title. Jesse L. Lasky has always been a pioneer. His own career parallels in many respects the history of the motion-picture industry. It was Lasky who gave such a picture as “The Covered Wagon,” the first groat picture of the w-est, and “Wings,” the first great picture of the air. Now, in “The White Parade,” he has created a picture which for originality and drama will, we think, stand unsurpassed when it is as old as “The Covered Wagon.” If it is something new you want, and something enthralling, do not miss “The White Parade. ’ ’ A great picture.