ROMANTIC DRAMA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 137, 11 June 1937, Page 10

ROMANTIC DRAMA

“STOLEN HOLIDAY.” KAY FRANCIS AT REGENT. For several reasons “Stolen Holiday” commencing to-morrow at the Regent Theatre, is a fine film. It is strong emotional romantic drama, and it presents its star, Kay Francis, with a most impresive series of dresses to wear.

But fortunately lor the male element, the plot is strong enough to more than retain interest, apart from any other consideration. There is, too, acting which is at times magnificent. Miss Francis frequently achieves the impossible—she forgets her clothes in the emotional intensity of the situation. Film-goers regard her as one of the band, of Hollywood stars from whom a finished performance may invariably be expected and she does not disappoint her admirers in this production. Although the film belongs to Miss Francis, she does not monopolise it, and, conversely, therein lies much of the charm of “Stolen Holiday.” Two leading men divide male honours—the handsome, quiet, restrained lan Hunter, so quiet that he dodges most ol the limelight which is rightfully his, and Claude Rains, the unforgettable “Invisible Man.” The romance and drama of the plot is engaging, located as it is in a Paris modiste's shop. Nicole rises to eminence with the financil backing of Orloff, to whom she is intensely loyal. During a stolen holiday from him, following a delightful interlude on the Riviera, she meets and falls thoroughly in love with a British diplomat, Anthony Wayne. She sticks to Orloff, however, despite her discovery that he is an audacious crook and that he is forcing her into a loveless marriage, until his death at the hands of the police leaves her free to pursue her romance. All of which conveys little conception of the splendour of the setting and staging of the story.

Errol Flynn, star of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and the forthcoming “Green Light,” has been chosen for one of the stellar roles in “The Prince and the Pauper.”