STORY OF GREAT REIGN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 145, 22 June 1939, Page 3

STORY OF GREAT REIGN

ATTRACTION AT PLAZA “SIXTY GLORIOUS YEARS” Following closely on the greatest British film ever made, “Victoria The Great,” R.K.0.-Radio’s "Sixty Glorious Years” now reaches the screen as the greatest masterpiece ever to have emanated from a British studio. The film opens to-morrow at the Plaza Theatre. When Mr. Wilcox decided to make the new film, starring the same players, Anna Neagle and Anton Walbrook, he found the authorities ready to grant him even more generous facilities for making use of authentic materials and locates. Wilcox was quick to seize this grand opportunity, for it was almost a necessity to bring out in the intimate life of Queen Victoria studios that were not included in "Victoria the Great.' The result was that “Sixty Glorious Years” became the story of a great reign, unfolded from the domestic side of a woman and her devoted husband — Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, her Consort. The film contains the crowded and stirring scenes of the Royal Crystal Palace exhibition and episodes from the wars that darkened Victoria’s reign; but predominant are the two figures who are the centre of all these events. ’ Their tiffs and their joy especially over the birth of the Princess Royal- their amusing encounters while travelling in the Highlands, their private relations with the Ministers of States and their characteristic comments on the events of the day provide the brilliant story of “Sixty Glorious Years.” It is always intimate and often slyly humorous. “Sixty Glorious Years’ is filmed entirely in technicolour. with the result that the film has added beauty to its already rich subject. Anna Neagle and Anton Walbrook were hailed as the ideal players for their roles in "Victoria the Great," and the experience they gained while playing in that film was of great benefit. to the new picture. Among the brilliant players holding important roles in support of Miss Neagle and Walbrook are C. Aubrey Smith, who came to England from Hollywood especially to play the role of the Duke of Wellington; Walter Rilla, Charles Carson, Greta Wegener, Felix Aylmer, Derrick de Marney, Lewis Casson. Pamela Standish, and Gordon McLeod.