STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“MY SON, MY SON.” An unforgettable story, brilliant performances, outstanding direction and a beautiful production make Edward Small’s film version of Howard Spring’s “My Son, My Son” one of the finest pictures of the year. This new film was shown to a. crowded house again last night at the State Theatre. The picture is one of the finest ever brought to the screen and immediately established itself as a favourite, making a special heart appeal. Masterton patrons are indeed fortunate in having such a brilliant picture placed before them. It is considered by many keen judges a superior picture to “Rebecca.” “My Son, My Son” has a brilliant array of stars in Madeleine Carroll, Brian _ Aherne, and Louis Hayward, a trio who enhance the picture by down-to-earth, unforgettable acting. The story is rich in emotional implications and everyday drama. It concerns a father and son, and the high hopes that fail to materialise. William Essex’s dreams for his son fade into thin air when he realises that Oliver is a vain and selfish young man, over-sophisticated, insincere, and cynical . Oliver realises almost too late that he has brought misery to the people who have surrounded him with love and understanding. The typical English atmosphere engendered by Howard Spring’s best selling novel, “My Son, My Son!” was preserved for the screen through the expert camera techniquqe of Harry Stradling. Goldenhaired Madeleine Carroll, portraying the role of Livia Vaynol, has never turned in a screen characterisation to equal her present one in this picture; Brian Aherne and Louis Hayward, as William and Oliver respectively, play their parts with understanding and humanity which point up the story brilliantly; and the other members of the cast in the supporting roles make many notable contributions. “My Son, My Son,” definitely belongs among the great pictures that from time to time come out of Hollywood to surprise the millions of moviegoers all over the world. It is a memorable screen ac- * complishment because for sheer enter- , tainment, it hasn’t been —and is unlikely to be —surpassed in a long time to come.