AT THE GRAND

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 336, 24 September 1932, Page 7

AT THE GRAND

TWO ALL-STAR FEATURES TO BE SHOWN THJS WEEK. NOVEL THEME. One of the most significant and tremendous novels created within the last decade forms the basis of the gripjjing motion drama, "An American Tragedy," which will show at the Grand Theatre, starting on Monday, for thrce days. Hailed at its first puhlication as one of ihe all-time elassics of the American scene, Theodore Dreiser's seavching story thrilled millions. Acted by a cast of youthful stars, the dramatic episodes of Dreiser's great story live on the screen. Philiips Holmes, playig the greatest role of his hrilliant screen career, in the eharaeter of Clyde Griffiths, has made a name for himself that will live because of this one picture alone. Sylvia Sidney rises to new heights, far and away* beyond her surprising success in "City Streets." Franees Dee, as S ondra Finehley, is beautifully capahle in this exacting part. Phillips Holmes, as the boy torn between ambition, love and fear, seeks to rid himself of the unwanted devotion of Sylvia Sidney, as Roberta Alden. A glittering world is opened to him because of wealthy Franees Dee's interest. Unahle to shalce off Sylvia any other way; he plans to murder her by drowning her in a nearby lalce. His resolution fails him at the last moment, but an accident accomplishes his desires. Circumstances, however, ].oint to murder and lcad to Holmes os the murderer. He is tried for his life, deserted hy his wealthy friends, ^ scorned, hated, with only his mother, of whom he had formerly been ashamed, believing in his innocence. "An American Tragedy" is powerfully told. It is, without douht, one of the most significant pictures of the year.