VIVID STORY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32418, 14 April 1944, Page 5

VIVID STORY

WAR AGAINST MRS HADLEY , PROGRAMME AT REGENT ANOTHER DRAMATIC TRIUMPH Washington in wartime is the setting for a vivid story of a woman’s soul, in “The War Against Mrs Hadley,” which brings Fay Bainter to the screen as the embodiment of many women who, when the war started, refused to be drawn into it until awakened to the truth about national defence. The picture, literally a cross section of a woman’s soul, will show at the Regent Theatre on Saturday and Monday. Fay Bainter in the title role plays a wealthy widow, who despite changes brought about by the’ war, tries to live her life as usual. Her friends go into war work leaving her lonely. Her daughter goes into a canteen, marries a soldier. Her son is drafted. When he is sent overseas she blames her lover, a government official. Then, in a dramatic climax, she awakens to the truth, and throws her life into the conflict, in common with millions of other American women. Human- Story Comedy and drama mingle in the down to earth human story. Fay Bainter plays her role with a deep conviction. Richard Ney as the son, makes good the prophesies made for him following “Mrs Miniver.” Young romance is furnished by Jean Rogers and Van Johnson, who make an engaging pair. Edward Arnold is compelling as the wealthy socialite’s suitor, and - Spring Byington plays a social leader turned war worker con-: vincingly. Halliwell Hobbes as the butler who becomes an air raid warden, provides much of the comedy. Dorothy Morris, Miles Mander. arid Frances Rafferty are other principals TO-NIGHT ONLY DOUBLE FEATURE “Spy Ship” and “Let’s Have Fun” will show to-night only, at the RegentTheatre. ’ !