STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 March 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“NURSE EDITH CAVELL." Depicting in highly dramatic fashion ihe life of the heroic English martyr, “Nurse Edith Cavell” brings Anna Neagle, international star, in the title role, as her first American-made film, which will be shown at the State Theatre tonight. In this absorbing drama, Edith Cavell, who has been canonised by writers, composers and sculptors the world over, is finally immortalised on the talking screen. It is shown now the warm sympathies of this great benefactor and humanitarian were first enlisted for the victims of the Belgium invaders, then became widened into a thousand and one details of an elaborate “underground railway” that smuggled hundreds of fugitive wounded soldiers to safety under the very eyes of the enemy. This stirring chapter is told in “Nurse Edith Cavell” with dignity and honesty and without prejudice. The inspiring story of her heroic deeds and her trial is accurately presented, and after a tensely dramatic ending to an unforgettable picturisation of sacrifice and martyrdom. Miss Neagle has a notable role as the courageous World War nurse in charge of a nursing home in Brussels when the conflict breaks out. Although she is English she refuses to return to her country when the German army of occupation takes over the city. How she permits her sympathy and humanitarianism to overshadow observance of military law, how she gradually organises a group of women into a potent ring of smugglers to spirit fugitive soldiers of all nationalities out of the country, and how she is taken, tried and condemned by a Prussian military court to be executed, provides powerful, trenchant drama, offering the brilliant actress an unusual opportunity to display her talents and versatility. “Nurse Edith Cavell” is said to be a memorable document in that it closely adheres to the real facts surrounding the martyr’s life and fateful trial . Actual speeches and testimony, as embodied in official war records and other media, add an element of realism and authenticity seldom seen on the screen. Included in a strong cast of two score players are Edna May Oliver, as a Belgian Countess and aide de camp to Edith Cavell; George Sanders, as head of the German counter-espionage service; May Robson, as another Cavell accomplice; Zasu Pitts, as a barge-woman who helps transport the fugitives, and Sophie >Stewart and H. B. Warner. Herbert Wilcox directed and produced “Nurse Edith Cavell” for RKO Radio from a screen play by Michael Hogan.