SABATINI’S HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 14

SABATINI’S HISTORICAL ROMANCE

‘MARRIAGE OF CORBAL' FOR REGENT The stirring days of the French Revolution have-been drawn upon as a background for many stories, for few periods in European history are so rich in adventure, ,colourful pageantry, and romance. Moreover, few writers have been so successful with historical themes as Rafael Sabatini, and his latest work to be translated to the screen, ‘The Marriage of Corbal,’ which commences to-morrow at the Regent, shows yet again what a wealth of screen material is provided in his novels. For once here is a film of the Revolution which attempts neither to parade the luxurious excesses of the aristocracy nor to dally over scenes of howling, bloodthirsty mobs. It is an action-filled story of a young aristocrat who believed in the principles for which the revolutionaries fought, although not agreeing with the methods by which they gained their ends. To hi# estate came the young Countess Cleonie, who had been saved from the guillotine by a revolutionary. The revolutionary and the aristocrat both fall in love with her, and the daring battle of wits between the two men, with the Countess Cleonie as the prize, make* entertainment of the most romantio kind. The closing stages abound in dramatic incident. Hazel Terry, the latest recruit from a distinguished English theatrical family, ‘ shows distinct promise in the difficult leading feminine role, imbuing it with naturalness and charm, ably carrying on the great traditions of her family. Nils Asther gives one of his best performances as the vindictive revolutionary, who was also young and susceptible, and, in. assisting the lovely young countess to escape from prison and accompany him to Burgundy disguised as a drummer boy, risked his own life. A splendid contrast is provided by tbe imperturbable Hugh Sinclair, as the Marquis of Corbal, who opposes him. Strong in the supporting programme is the fourth of the series of ‘ The March of Time.’