PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 53, 4 March 1939, Page 11

PLAZA THEATRE

"PRISON WITHOUT BARS" A young and beautiful French star is introduced to audiences in the new London film, “Prison Without Bars," which is now screening at the Plaza Theatre. The newcomer is Corinne Luchaire, 17-year-old discovery of Alexander Korda, who produced the film. As Suzanne, innocent inmate of a girls’ reformatory, Miss Luchaire has many dramatic opportunities. Embittered by the harsh regulations, Suzanne makes many attempts to escape, but each time she is captured and brought back. Her last escapade coincides with the arrival of Yvonne, the new superintendent, played charmingly by Edna Best. Despite opposition from her staff, Yvonne introduces sweeping reforms. She wins the love and gratitude ot Suzanne, for whom she is trying to get a pardon. Happy for the first time, the girl is given more congenial work assisting the institution's doctor, George Marechai (Barry K. Barnes). She speedily falls in love with him. unaware, as is everybody else, that he is engaged to marry Yvonne. In spite of himself, Marechai reciprocates. The strain of meeting Yvonne in secret, and her conscientious attitude towards her work, proves too much for him. He breaks the engagement and leaves for an appointment in India, arranging with Suzanne to follow him as soon as her pardon is through. Unaware of what has taken place, Yvonne carries on with her work. She hints to Suzanne that, subject to certain formalities, her pardon has been granted. Suzanne is blackmailed by one of the girls into committing a serious breach of the regulations. An inquiry is held which reveals the association between Suzanne and the doctor. Heartbroken, Yvonne is torn with emotion, but in an intensely moving climax becomes aware that Suzanne is not to blame for all that has happened.