PEOPLE—NOT CAUSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 39, 16 February 1939, Page 3

PEOPLE—NOT CAUSES

“LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID - ’ SATURDAY AT THE REGENT I “This is a story of people—not **f causes,” says Paramount in the foreword to “The Last Train From Madrid,” the Spanish war drama commencing on Saturday at 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. Indeed that atmosphere —the atmosphere of reality—is the picture's chief virtue. There are some remarkably memorable and dramatic moments in the course of the film, too, 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. The director has made effective use of authentic newsreel shots of the air raids on Spain's capital, but the full horror of the civil war is implied rather than shown in unpleasant detail. Anthony Quinn, a comparative newcomer to the screen, is excellent in the leading role of the Spanish patriot, and he is most ably supported by Lionel Atwill and Gilbert Roland. Olympe Bradna, since particularly noted for her part in “Souls at Sea,” provides an excellent reason why the American reporter takes more than a professional interest in the war. “Too Many Parents" is the excellent supporting feature of the programme.