STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“RAFFLES” TONIGHT. If there is one thing Hollywood has learned in its study of public tastes, it is that many stories are evergreen. “Raffles” is one of them. It is many years since an avid reading public warmed to the adventures of the celebrated “Amateur Cracksman,” yet the story today comes up as fresh as ever, an exhilarating tale of adventure and romance. That, of course, is due largely to the outstanding competence Willi which it has been filmed in the new Samuel Goldwyn version of the famous novel. Goldwyn chose an ideal “Raffles” in David Niven, a no less ideal Inspector Mackenzie in Dudley Digges, and reinforced them with the best technical talent at the disposal of his studios. The result is a genuinely first-rate film. “Raffles,” the film, which will be screened at the State Theatre tonight, recounts graphically the intriguing experiences of that celebrated character. It invests him with new fame, representing him as a famous athlete and cricketer, widely and favourably known in society, yet indulging a perfect genius for burglaryall for the benefit of someone who needs it. His part is indeed that of a modern Robin Hood. He steals a famous painting from the National Gallery, returning it in such a way that a deserving acquaintance shall receive the reward. He lifts diamond bracelets from a fashionable jewellery store. And then, finally, to assist a friend overtaken by unsuccessful gambling, he lifts a priceless necklace from a country home at which he is a weekend guest. That, really, is the beginning of the battle of wits between Raffles and Mackenzie. It is a battle which is given the most exciting complications by the fact that another burglar attempts to steal the necklace at the same time as Raffles. It is an ingenious story, and it never palls for a moment. David Niven is a perfect Raffles, while Dudley _ Digges, as the dour but shrewd Scottish investigator, is a welcome change in detective material from the patent-leather slickness of most screen types. Olivia de Ilavilland supplies with David Niven a charming romantic clement.