AWAITED FILM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 51, 2 March 1939, Page 5

AWAITED FILM

■‘PRISON 'WITHOUT BARS” TO SCREEN AT iHE PLAZA During the past few years, several larnous xoreign actresses have appeared in English and American films, rew have made such impressive debuts, however, as the 17-year-oki French girl, Corinne Luchaire, whose first English-speaking film, "Prison Without Bars,” opens at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow.

She has a difficult role, which would tax the ability of any seasoned performer, but she handles it confidently and convincingly throughout. She makes lull use of all the dramatic scope of the part, and, in doing so, shows greater potentialities than any other Continental star to appear on the screen locally during tne past year or two, with the possible exception of Danielle Darrieux.

Co-featured with Mlle. Luchaire are Edna Best and Barry K. Barnes. The name of Miss Best may not mean very much to modern filmgoers, but those who can remember her great performances opposite her husband, Herbert. Marshall, a few years ago, know that she is a dramatic actress of unusual quality. Barnes, the good-looking young English actor, has been steadily improving with each appearance lately, and he shows his best form in this film.

Theatre patrons, as a rule, take little notice of the names of producers of the various films. One from which they have learned to expect great things, however, is Alexander Korda. With such triumps to his credit as “The Drum” and "Sanders of the River,” Korda has built up a reputation with local fans that is second to none amongst world producers. When it is stated that he considers "Prison Without Bars" to be the best film he has made, it will be realised that it must be something out of the ordinary.

Corinne Luchaire is cast as Suzanne, innocent inmate of a girls’ reformatory in France. She becomes bitter under the harsh regulations until, through the kindness of a new superintendent, she is made assistant to the prison doctor, played by Barnes. The doctor was previously engaged to the superintendent (Miss Best), but he breaks off the engagement and goes to India, having arranged for Suzanne to follow him there when she is granted a pardon, which is obtained by the superintendent. How their plans are almost upset by the machinations of a spiteful convict forms the thread of the remainder of the story which, however, ends on a happy note.