STATE THEATRE TO-MORROW.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1940, Page 12

STATE THEATRE TO-MORROW.

"THE GRAPES OF WRATH" SHOWING Gene Autry and Jane Withers are costarred in the thrilling Western actiondrama "Shooting High," which screens finally to-day at the State Theatre. In addition. is screened the thrilling murder mystery film "The Spider," featuring Derek de Marney and Jean Gillie. A deep, stirring, human appeal draws audiences to the very heights of film entertainment in Darryl F. Zanuck's production of "The Grapes of Wrath," John Steinbeck's fearless novel. This 20th Century-Fox film, which at its world premiere achieved the biggest opening attendance in the entire history of New York's 22-year-old Rivoli Theatre, begins to-morrow at the State Theatre. Under Academy Award-winning John Ford's direction the Joads come to life with all the warmth, vitality and rugged humour that characterised Steinbeck's widelyacclaimed novel. Both the spirit and the letter of the book have been followed with extraordinary exactness by the associate producer, Nunnally Johnson, who wrote the screen play. Tom Joad, who is played by Henry Fonda, remains the courageous figure Steinbeck created. To follow his adventures on the screen is an experience no movie-goer should miss. Jane Darwell's performance as Ma Joad, makes it impossible to believe that Steinbeck did not have her in mind when he created this indomitable Oklahoma mother. Jane carries her audience in the palm of her hand while she laughs and cries, scolds her brood, and defies the forces which would tear her family apart. What is by all odds one of the most difficult roles in the picture, that of Casey, the garrulous, crusading preacher, is carried off with great distinction by John Carradine. As Grampa, Charley Grapewin turns in the best performanle of a long and distinguished career. Dorris Bowdon actually appears to relive Rosasharn's struggle to bring new life into the world. She more than justifies the belief Zanuck had in her ability to act. Similarly justified is the selection of other members of the cast.