GRAND, TO-NIGHT.

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 338, 27 September 1932, Page 3

GRAND, TO-NIGHT.

One of the most significant and tre- f.". mendous novels created within the last j decade forms the basis of the grip,ping motion picture drama, "An Ame- jll l'ican Tragedy," which o,pened at the III Grand Theatre last night. •" Acted by a cast of youthful stars, the dramatic episodes of Dreiser's •, great story live on the screen. Phil- | lips Holmes, playing the greatest role ||| of his brilliant screen career, in the I

character of Clyde Griffiths, has made a name for himself that will live be- | cause of this one picture alone. Sylvia • Sidney rises to new heights, far and away beyond her surprising success in "City Streets." Frances Dee, as Sondra Finchley, is beautifully cap1able 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 Siuney, as Roberta Alden. A glittering world is opened to him beeause of wealthy Frances Dee's interest. Unable to shake off Sylvia any other way, he plans to murder her by drowning her in a nearby lake. His resolution fails him at the last moment, but an accident accomplishes his desires. Circumstances, however, point to murder and lead to Holmes as the murderer. He is tried for his life, deserted by his wealthy friends, seorned, hated, with only his mother, of whom he had formerly been ashamed, believing in his innocence. "An American Tragedy" is a powerful story powerfully told. It is, with'out douht, one of the most significant pictures of the year.