Film Of The Week

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 52, 11 February 1949, Page 3

Film Of The Week

“THE COURTNEYS OF CURZON STREET” From the British Lion Studios comes the- appealing story of the Courtneys of Curzon Street. Starring Anna Neagle. This picture shows her acting abilities. Opposite her, as Edward Courtney, is Mich- | ael Wilding. The story of the film “The Courtneys of Curzon Street” traces the life of the Courtneys, , typical, up-per-class British family through the years from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present , day. It tells how young Bdward. the son of Sir Edvfard and Lady Courtney, falls in love with, and eventually married Catherine O’Halloran, his mother’s personal maid. Very much in love, the young couple are quite confident that they can face up to the world, but are very much unprepared for the slights and the sneers with which the news of their marriage is received by London society. They bear with the insults bravely for a time, but finally, when Edward is in danger of giving up the Army life he loves so much, Cathy leaves him, quite convinced that he will be much happier without her. Cathy and her mother return to Ireland, where Cathy’s son, Teddie , is born. When Cathy decides to go on the stage, her mother is horrified, but, finding that the' village priest is in favour of Cathy’s decision, is content to let her daughter have her own way. Taking Teddie with her, Cathy takes up her stage career, and becomes popular throughout the world, under the name of May Lynton. When war is declared, she volunteers to help entertain the troops, and before long becomes the sweetheart of the nation. It is at a camp concert being given in France, that she is found by her husband, Edward, and the two are reunited. Edward is more than pleased when he learns that he has a son, and he and young Teddie soon become fast friends. With the conclusion of the war, Edward gives up the Army, and goee into a business partnership in London. Teddie, who had joined the Army as soon as he is permitted, marries his girl-friend Cynthia, just prior ip being sent to India, leaving his wife in the capable care of his parents. Mot long after, word is received by the family in Curzon Street tfiat Teddie has been killed in action. When Cynthia, who is expecting a child, receives the news, the shock is too much for her. Her son is. born, but Cynthia is ’ not stroeag enough, and dies soon after. This heart-warming story carries on to a successful conclusion, telling how Cathy and Edward raise young Teddy, their grandson, and of the troubles they meet, and overcome.