ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO." Next Change at St. James Theatre.

"The Count ol Monte Cristo" *s a story whose romantic fantasy, imaginative adventure, and dramatic characterisations nave enthralled millions for generations. Nothing ha_ been spared to give the talkie version accoutrements as to character and setting that bring this great narrative to the screen in its true perspective. Robert Donat, sensational young star of England and all Europe, makes his American debut in this picture, which is to start a season at the St. James Theatre on Friday. The fortunate star that watches over the.destiny of Donat twinkled overtime when it brought him the starring part in the Reliance feature, in which Elissa Landi enacts the feminine lead. That "The Count of Monte Cristo" is entertainment for all, young and old, with undimmed appeal for urban and rural peoples alike, can be unequivocally proven by recalling the universal success of the stagel version of this fascinating Alexandre Dumas fiction piece. Perhaps there is no tangible reason, or set of reasons, for the unprecedented popularity of this great Dumas work. But it does have priceless lines, imaginative romance, strong characters, beauty of setting, sustained suspense of olot elements of surprise, and fabulous proportions, justice triumphs in the climax after undoubtedly being kicked about for several breathless sequences, and it ends happily. The story leaves uothing to be desired. Donat as "The* Count of Monte Cristo." has' an auspicious vehicle on which production value and time have been spent lavishly. Donat embraces his opportunity in full measure, and his name, as well as the picture, takes rank along with those productions labelled "exceptional." Convicted without trial and' condemned without mercy the Count of Monte Cristo spent 20 years in a dungeon. He had 20 years to plot and plan, 20 years of nerve-racking •■> patience, and then freedom with riches and power to wreck the lives of the three who wrecked his.