STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 February 1941, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

I A POWERFUL DRAMA. 4 1 The large attendance at the State: j Theatre last night had placed before 1 ; i them one of the most powerfully act-i led and topical pictures ever brought to 1 'the screen and dealing in a most sen-! j sational manner with the policy of the] I Nazi penetration of European co'un-; ! tries. It was a picture which made anj I immediate appeal and for all roundj brilliance would be hard to excel. The | 'supporting programme contained | ■ many interesting patriotic pictures and | !an excellent presentation of tennis' j shots. Compelling in the power i !of its drama, "Four Sons" will Ibe shown again at the State i Theatre tonight. The impact of ; its emotional outcry and depth :of feeling leaves audiences with ! an intense belief that they have seen ; one cf the truly great pictures of the I year. Acclaimed as “an emotional masj terpiece” by previewers throughout i the country. “Four Sons" more than j lives up to its promise. The entire cast i play their roles with deep and moving! - conviction that grips one throughout j the performance. For compelling drai matics, the performance of “Four i Sons" is outstanding. In one of the most powerful roles he has ever had. Don Amechc gives his portrayal a vividness and startling clarity that demonstrates anew his dramatic versatility. Fresh from his triumph in “Lillian Russell,” he wins even more laurels with his remarkable performance. Eugene Leontovilch, stage star of New York. London and Paris, gives an unparalleled portrayal of the mother. Persuaded to accept her first screen role in “Four Sons,” the great dramatic actress more than lives up to her great stage reputation. Mary Beth Hughes takes a long stride forward with a beautiful impersonation. As the bride of one of the sons, she shows herself a power to be reckoned with in the Hollywood scheme of things. Other members of the featured cast who turn in inspired performances include Alan Curtis. George Ernest. Robert Lowery, Lionel Royce and Sig. Rumann. The cast is as a whole performed as a well-knit unit, and will stand for a long time as an outstanding example of perfect casting.