ROYAL SHOWS “FOUR SONS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 634, 10 April 1929, Page 14

ROYAL SHOWS “FOUR SONS”

There is nothing quite so pathetic or so appealing as a picture with mother-love as its theme, but no other picture has appeared in Auckland which has so much touching appeal as “Four Sons,” now at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland. A simple story, its interest enhanced by an excellent cast of players and faultless photography, its pathos does not extend beyond reasonable limits. It tells ,of a mother who, after raising four sons to manhood, had to stand by to see them snatched one by one from her fireside by the terrible talons of war. Mother Bernle was ever patient. When Joseph expressed a desire to go to America she assisted him with her own scanty savings, much as it tore her heart to see him go. Then war took two of the others who were fated never to return, and she was left with only Andrea, who was too young. The day came when his country called to even Andrea, and Mother Bernle surrendered her only remaining son without a murmur of the great grief that was gnawing her heart.

Excellent atmosphere, fine pictorial effects, sincere and moving performances by all the star artists, and excellent direction by Alfred Hitchcock characterises the latest British International picture “The Manxman,” which was made in its entirety in the Isle of Man. “The Manxman” is an adaption of Sir Hall Caine’s well-known story, and stars Carl Brisson well remembered for his fine performance in “The Ring,” together with Anny Ondra who could not have been called upon to interpret a more difficult role than that of the unhappy heroine Kate Gregeen. Her performance is most creditable, while the supporting artists are excellent. Cinema Art Films will be releasing this picture shortly.