PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 289, 10 December 1935, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

"THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS.’’ Excellent acting, direction and phtography have made a film triumph of John Buchan’s well-known novel “The Thirty-nine Steps,” showing finally to-night at the Plaza Theatre. Commencing with panic in a London music-hall and the accidental meeting of a beautiful, mysterious woman, and Hannay, a young Canadian, on holiday in England, the story grows more intriguing as the plot progresses. In answer to the stranger’s request for temporary protection, Hannay takes her to his home, but her adversaries are too clever, and the young man is horrified to find her dying after being stabbed in the back. However, before her death Hannay himself is in possession of her secret, and the importance of this knowledge involves him in a series of adventures. Robert Donat makes Hannay an appealing and handsome personality, while the beautiful Madeleine Carroll, as the girl who tries to give him away, plays

her part admirably. Godfrey Tearle and John Laurie also have important roles. An interesting supporting programme is shown. “The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes” “The Triumph of Sherlock I Holmes,” which will be screened at 1 the Plaza Theatre to-morrow, is an I adaptation of the late Conan Doyle’s ' “The Valley of Fear,” under the • name the film was produced until its 1 release, when the title was changed to » “The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes.” L In this particular story the famous detective is shown in retirement in Sus- ’ sex, until a sensationally interesting 1 murder case attracts his attention, and • he emerges from his country retreat to 3 solve the problem. This gives him the 3 opportunity to once more cross swords J with his arch-enemy Professor Mori- • arty, and the film shows the final 5 triumph of Holmes over the Professor, ’ who is killed. Arthur Wantner plays ’ the central figure, lan Fleming has the 1 role of Dr. Watson and Minnie Rayner > is seen as Mrs. Hudson. Others in the I cast are Lyn Harding, Jane Carr, 5 Leslie Perrins, Charles Mortimer, J Michael Sheplcy, Ben Welden, Roy s Emerton and COnway IDixon.