Robert Donat in “Goodbye, Mr. Chips”

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 2, 3 January 1940, Page 5

Robert Donat in “Goodbye, Mr. Chips”

FILMIZATION OP JAMES HILTON NOVEL. (Regent: Now Screening.) Robert Donat, who gave the screen one of its finest performances as the idealistic doctor of “The Citadel”, once again reveals his consummate artistry and acting skill in “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” filmization of the celebrated James Hilton novel. The story of “Mr. Chips” is the story of the education of youth the world over. Donat plays the kindly schoolmaster who comes to a large English school as a young man and passes his entire life there. He becomes the ideal of the boys in his care, and when these boys grow up they send their sons back to “Mr Chips.”’ He meets and falls in love with a young and beautiful girl and when she ultimately dies the tragedy leaves “Chips” with a great human understanding and compassion.

Although “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” is dominated by Donat’s powerful characterization, tremendous appeal is offered in tho role of his wife, played by Greer tlarson, who has never beforo been seen on the screen but whose work here insures her of stardom in the near future. Lovely to look at, Miss Garson gives a warmth and intimacy to the role of the young girl whose life is cut off all too soon which make her scenes with Donat among those which stand out with clarity and power. Among the thrilling moments of the story are the rescue of tho heroine from a peak in the Tyrolean Alps, a spectacular air raid during the World War and a great ball in the Vienna of the old days. Cricket and football matches add interest and fast action.