STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1941, Page 8

STATE THEATRE

DOUBLE PROGRAMME. The current programme at the State Theatre —“Remedy for Riches” and “Along the Rio Grande” —will be finally shown tonight. “THE SON OF MONTE C.-.-uo.” In spite of the fact that it might prove rather a surprise to Alexandre Dumas to discover that his famous Count of Monte Cristo had a son in films, he would probably recognise the character if he could look at the new show which will be presented at the State Theatre tomorrow night. “The Son of Monte Cristo”' carries on the romantic tradition of the book in a marked degree, with Louis Hayward in the title role. The period is the reign of Louis Napoleon of France, and the background of the story is the little kingdom of Lichtenberg. The Grand Duchess Sonia, though loved by her people and willing to do anything for their v/clfare, is no more than a puppet on a throne because of the machinations of Gurko Lanen. Lanen is peasant-born. He suffers a certain inferiority complex because of it, but this has not prevented him from rising from his lowly origin to what amounts to virtual ruler of Lichtenberg. This position, however, is not enough. He wants to sit on the throne. The only way to do this is to marry the Grand Duchess, but as she hates and despises him, he is, for a time at least, thwarted in this plan. It is at this juncture that young Monte Cristo makes his appearance. George Sanders as the villainous Lanen has a part much to his liking. Scorning light and shade, he depicts him as completely bad and unscrupulous. Joan Bennett wears beautiful gowns as the Grand Duchess Sonia, and has a part well suited to her also, while Louis Hayward is at home as the vivacious, dare-devil son of Monte Cristo.