REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

‘■THE CITADEL.” The large audience which greeted the screening of "The Citadel” at the Regent Theatre last night had presented to them one of the most outstanding dramas ever brought to the screen. The book itself caused a sensation overnight, and Dr. A. J. Cronin became the most widely known writer in Europe. The brilliant story unfolded in the book caused consternation in Harley Street, London, and in “specialist areas” in Europe and America. The presentation on the screen has been a triumph for those responsible and the story is even more lucidly told than in the book. Much of the atmosphere is autobiographical, as Dr. Cronin served over a long period in the Welsh mining districts before he wrote the book. “The Citadel” relates the story of an obscure young doctor in the Welsh colleries who conscientiously adheres to the ideals of his noble profession. As a mine doctor he saves trapped workmen in a pit disaster, amputates the arm of one of them who is caught beneath a timber and wins the respect of his fellows. He falls in love with a, school-teacher and they marry, later moving into London, where he engages in a society practice at much higher fees. There the young physician temporarily forgets his ideals in the midst of luxury, but his wife is the influence which restores him to his original convictions. A careless operation on his best friend also serves to jolt him to his senses, and the doctor joins a group of earnest colleagues in the establishment of a great humanitarian clinic. Robert Donat portrays the physician and Miss Rosalind Russell is his wife. The acting is of a high standard. The picture itself is the second American picture from M.G.M.’s British studios at Denham, England. The first was “A Yank at Oxford,” with Robert Taylor and Maureen O’Sullivan. “The Citadel” based on the popular novel by Dr. A. J. Cronin, was produced on an American scale with King Vidor directing a cast of more than 100 players. In principal supporting roles are Ralph Richardson and Rex Harrison, wellknown English actors who have been seen on Broadway. Others in an unusually large cast include Emlyn Williams, Penelope Dudley-Ward, Francis Sullivan, Mary Clare, Cecil Parker and Nora Swinburn. Those who appreciate something out of the ordinary in a picture—something which has been a world sensation —should not miss seeing “The Citadel,”