STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 November 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“MAN IN THE IRON MASK.” A logical solution to one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the history of France was offered by Alexander Dumas when he wrote his historical romance, “The Man in the Iron Mask,” a gripping story of romance and adventure, the film version of which will be shown at the State Theatre tonight. Now on the screen, Louis Hayward, in a striking adaptation of the book, plays the role of the illfated prisoner who, for reasons which can only be surmised, was condemned to spend his life inside a mask of iron. Whatever the real secret hidden behind that impenetrable barrier, Dumas was certainly not far from the truth, and his is the story of the film. Louis Hayward plays the dual roles of King Louis XIV of France and his twin brother Philippe with sureness, fire and deep sincerity, portraying the cruel monarch on the one hand and his light-hearted brother on the other. Neither of the roles handled by this young actor, is easy to play, and both are capitally interpreted by Hayward, who was launched on his starring career by Edward Small in “The Duke of West Point." The story revolves around the fears which, are awakened in Louis’ brain when he learns that he has a twin brother who was brought up secretly in the province of Gascony by his father's faithful Musketeers. Fearing that he will be dethroned, because already the people are grumbling and muttering about the excessive taxes, Louis decides to silence his brother forever by imprisoning him in the Bastille after his head is encased if! the iron mask to which he alone in all France holds the key. Joan Bennett is cast as the beautiful Maria Theresa of Spain and turns in one of the most stirring performances of her successful screen career. Warren William. Joseph Schildkraut. Alan Hale. Miles Mander, Bert Roach, Walter Kingsford. Marian Martin and Montagu Love, featured in support of the stars, portray the parade of characters in this fast-moving, tensely pitched drama. Warren William plays, the swashbuckling, beloved role of D Artagnan, with Alan Hale and Miles Mander impersonating the other two musketeers in the trio devoted to Philippe. "The Man in the Iron Mask” is thrilling motion picture fare not to be missed by those who seek real entertainment.