SPANISH WAR DRAMA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 5

SPANISH WAR DRAMA

“LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID." “This is a story of people- -not of causes,” says Paramount in the foreword' lo “Last Train from Madrid,” the Spanish war drama coming on Saturday of next week to the Regent Theatre. But for all that disclaimer the atmosphere of the picture is not one that will elicit much sympathy for the rebel cause. Madrid, cowering under the terror of the early air raids, is vividly and terrifyingly portrayed. There are some remarkably memorable and dramatic moments in the course of the film, particularly that in which release of convicts to fight against the insurgents is portrayed and that in which is shown the march of an Amazon battalion to the front. Anthony Quinn, a comparative newcomer to the screen, is excellent in the leading role of the Spanish patriot, and ho is most ably supported by Lionel Atwill and Gilbert Roland. Olympne Bradna provides an excellent reason why the American reporter takes I more than a professional interest in the war.

I Jewel Fortune. With armed guards keeping watchful eyes on the rare jewels, silver, and antique china with which the set is dressed, many scenes of Columbia's ■‘There’s That Woman Again,” costarring Melvyn Douglas and Virginia Bruce, are being filmed in literally a. “million dollar jewellery store.” Director Alexander Hall, a stickler for realism, decided against paste imitations. As a consequence, a stock of genuine emeralds, diamonds, star sapphires, rubies, and other jewels has been rented from one of Hollywood’s most exclusive jewellers. The jewels are nightly taken from the sound stage in an armoured car and locked up in the shop vault. They arc returned to the set ear hmorning. Paul Armstrong, former lieutenant of the Indiana State police, who helped to imprison the Dillinger gang nnd who is an expert pistol shol, js in charge of lhe jewel guards. Augmenting the high value of the jewels, the set contains pieces of antique Georgian solid silver, fine Sheffield plate from England. and dozens of sets of genuinr I Copenhagen china.