“HEARTS IN EXILE"

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1004, 21 June 1930, Page 17

“HEARTS IN EXILE"

NEW STRAND SHOW DOLORES COSTELLO FILM Political intrigue in Tsarist Russ«a with its cruel cunning, the anguished life of the peasantry, the machinations of evil men through all this a beautiful girl shining like a ray from above . . . this is “Hearts in Exile,” the featured picture at the Strand this week. OWERFUD drama in an entirel; new setting and a story new in conception forms the groundwork of this, gripping tale. The action moving as it does from the slums of Moscow to a nobleman’s palatial home, goes on almost breathlessly. Herein is felt the first rumbling of the impending revolution. When Warner Brothers were casting their fine production they made excellent choice. The beautiful Dolores Costello, acclaimed almost universally as tho screen’" loveliest girl, ha been given the par which matter most. As Vera Ivan ova Miss Costello adds tremendously to the esteem in which discerning viewers and hearers hold her. Her reyumuuu at* an emotional actress achieves new heights, her wistful appeal breaking through the sternest resistance. Even among the dreary wastes of wind-swept Sibera in her drab dress the girl is delicately beautiful. No less well cast are the men who form the other points of the ageold triangle. Grant Withers, who has forced his way to the front rank through sheer personality coupled with great ability as an actor of hero parts, plays Paul Pavloff. a university student who loves Vera but is denied her hand, she disliking his dissolute ways. James Kirkwood is strong as Serge Palma, a nobleman who raises the lovely peasant girl to rank as a foremost lady of the land —for one brie and happy year. The producers have well and faith f ully caught the Muscovite atmos phere, the character acting even of th lesser roles being exceptionally gooc Scenes amid the snow and ice hav been admirably done. The crow scene in the fish market at Moscov the despair in the exiles’ camp i Siberia, toilers in the salt mines, sleigh drive for life, the tense seen in which Serge Palma makes a grea sacrifice in favour of Paul—these ar but few of many thrilling episodes a talkie the show is at a premiurr Dolores Costello's voice, soft, well

modulated and flawless in pronunciation, is a pleasure to listen t-j. The men are also good speakers, Kirkwood particularly. A picture well worth the seeing. The supporting programme includes a clever Paramount sound novelty, th* "F'ire Pugs,” in which the adventures of a brigade of mice and an old horse are featured. An exceptionally entertaining piece depicts a negro dance* band and the clever trap drummer. A day in the life of An • - zon River natives illustrating theii quaint customs completes the programme.