AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20001, 28 July 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE ROiIMKT DONAT AND ROSALIND KI'SSIXL IN M.G.M.'s *Ttlli CITADEL.” The film version of Dr. A. J. Cronin's dramatic novel "The Citadel.” which caused a great stir when it appeared about two years ago, will begin to-dav what should prove a highly successful season at the Regent Theatre. "The Citadel” was a bitino and an oarne-d piece of work —a blow at the abuses of medicine delivered uncompromisingly from its inner ranks, but the great tradition of such a noble profession was left unscathed. What Cronin smote was the venality of individual doctors. He claimed that, in one way or another, certain medical practitioners bowed to the prejudices and the vested interests of authority. The humble ones gave pink medicines where none was required. The more fashionable and enterprising of these pseudophysicians invented ailments for ■ wealthy hypochondriacs. However, the novel would not have been so successful had it not been a well written and deeply understanding narrative, as well as a polemic. The film which Metro-Cloldwyn-Meyer have produced in their English studios shares in that dramatic quality. Il is brilliantly acted. Robert Donat has always been remarkable for his ease of manner. Even his most stirring effects he seems to achieve casually, as though not giving conscious thought to them. In the character of Andrew Manson he has an inspiring paid that is worthy of his talents. He appears as a young doctor with unspoiled idealistic and with a sensitiveness that makes every rebuff into a major hurt. The other leading role, that of pretty Christine, afterward Mrs. Manson, has a highly unusual charm. Behind Ihc primness of nil unassuming schoolmistress, there is a womanly temperament of remarkable warmth and loyalty. In this role, Rosalind Russell gives a portrayal which shows her greatness ns an actress. A splendid supporting cast has been assembled round jhe principals. Heading these associate players is Ralph Richardson as Manson’.s best friend. Philip Denny. “The Citadel" .is claimed to be one of the most important and significant films to have come from Engl a nd.