PALACE THEATRE.

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXV, Issue 254, 28 October 1942, Page 6

PALACE THEATRE.

"the little foxes." Old Southern "chivalry" of an un-pleasantly-common modern type, in a setting of beautiful things and the beautiful surroundings of a lovely old home in the far Southern States, was the theme of "The Little Foxes," the powerfully-dramatic film shown last night at the Palace Tlieatre. The Hubbard family, with three exceptions, might be described as Hubbard squashes — they cheerfully jumped on and destroyed the happiness of others, so long as they got their own way. They were foxes all right. Bette Davis, as the domineering, selfish and callous mother and wife, portrayed, with beautiful clothes, a character that suited her capacities wonderfully. She made the audience dislike her .thoroughly in a role that she made alive. Her daughter, a much more likeable person, is played by Teresa Wright, a young actress, who is a real find. She will be worth watching. Indeed all the many characters are real people and not just figures, even the minor characters down to the old darkie retainers being very well done. The picture is not always pleasant, but it is never dull, always has the grip of reality, and, with its beautiful and expensive setting, is continuously easy to look at. In addition there are many flashes of humour through - out and the acting standard is consistently good. It is a picture that will be remembered. The supporting films are particularly interesting. They include a Lowell Thomas travelogue of life among the Eskimo — a very different sort of life from the general picture — and "The Kokoda Trail," timely, topica.1 and tropical, that gives a vivid picture of the difficult jungle campaign in the 12,000 feet .high Owen Stanley Ranges. Dog-lovers will appreciate a picture of cocker spaniel training and field work while the Terry cartoon is a hilarious thing. The programme will be screened again to--night.