Ronald Colman Still Has Bright Future After 25 Years

Chronicle (Levin), 3 July 1948, Page 6

Ronald Colman Still Has Bright Future After 25 Years

LES. M/

MURPHY) '

(SPECIAL — FROM

. - / WELLINGTON, July 5. After 25 years as a motion picture actor — the longest period of success enjoyed by any topflight Hollywood 'personality — Ronald Colman may be launched on an entirely new career as a result of his latest film, "A Double Lif'e," Kanin production for Universal-International.

In this picture, which won him an academy award, Coiman veers xrom his customary straight role in favour of a genuine characterisation. _ He portrays a Broadway actor who becomes obsessed with his stage roles. As such he has to display two 'distinct personalities away from the theatre — a gay, charming man and a morose almost demented individual. On the stage he does a moderh lignt comedy an'd Shakespeare's "Othello." Few roles in film history have offered the acting opportunity afforded by this one. If the reaction to the picture throughout America bears out that of Hollywood, Colman will confine his acting to character roles. Having enjoyed a longer period of success than any of his contemporaries, the actor no longer is interested in just remaining a star. He wants either a role that will tax

his abilities to the limlt, or none at all. "I never before have piayed a role •as 'difticult as'the'one in 'A Double Liie/ " said Colman. "Neither have I ever piayed one that i enjoyed as much. 5 Any picture you make is iiard work, • so you might as weli scriye for something that gives you the feeiing of an accompnshment when it's finished."