AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

IVPRYBCDYS PICTURES. WILLIAM POWELL IN “FOR THE DEFENSE.” William Powell, screemlom’s g rc ’“t cosmopolite, whose powerful portrayals' of worldly men have gained him a fan mail greater than any other deniivi Rain's of /the film world, will he seen and heard in another highly dramatic production, when Paramount s “For the Defense” comes to the theatre to-niglit (Thursday). “For the Defense” is a story of a brilliant and crafty attorney whose sensational work in the courts of the big city attracts world-wide attention. He is so successful in defending his clients, many of them criminals with vicious past records, that he incurs the enmity of the police. Jt is this animosity which plays a part in bringing Powell himself before the bar of justice as a prisoner.

Through a. series of thrilling dramatic twists the story shows Powell faced with a jail threat from which he cannot escape without incriminating. the woman he loves. The finale packs a terrific dramatic wallop. Kay Francis, who was Powell’s neglected wife in “Street of Chance”, is-not nearly so neglected in the role of his sweetheart in “For the Defense”. Many movie critics have picked Miss Francis as the ideal team-mate for Powell. In “For the Defense”, she certainly fulfils the choice. Her work is better here than ever in her long series of supporting roles in the talkies. “For the Defense’ was written by Oliver. H. P. Garrett, author of “Street of Chance,” and is based on a story by. Charle s Furthmann, former criminal defense lawyer who left a brilliant record in Chicago to enter the field of motion picture writing.’ •- J.ohn) Cromwell directed “For the Defense”. He made “The Mighty” and “The Texan.” Also a Paramount Sound News. Prices 2/10, 1/6, children 6d downstairs. i