"Joan of Arc" at 2YA

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 41, 24 April 1931, Page 5

"Joan of Arc" at 2YA

X A Triumph in. Radio Presentation HY "Joan of Arc" presentation from 2YA last week (Monday, 13th) was a triumph of production, and Mr. Montague deserves praise for his striking presentation of this remarkable historteal play, — The cast was excellent throughout, the effects were remarkably vivid and helpful, and most especially was this go of the cheering multitudes, with the ringing of joy bells, the marching and the clash of arms, and again in the final scene when the fires are lighted and the unhappy Joan is consigned to the flames, Many of the lines are deeply moving, and numerous messages and letters show that many listeners were unable to restrain their tears when (to quote the text) "this Saint of God, who bad saved her nnhappy country from its enemies, was consigned to a cruel and ignominious death." The whole of the incidental music and the entr’acte selections were beyond praise. By careful and discriminating selection it was made to harmonise with the words and the story throughout. Specially noteworthy was the "Virgin" theme (marking each appéarance of Joan), the Coronation March, the singing of the Te Deum in Rheims Cathedral, the Cesar Franck selection toward the close, and the final singing of the Tenebrae music, seeming to waft Joan’s soul to Heaven. Altogether 2 great and wonderful broadcast. To Miss Mary Cooley’s performance as Joan the warmest praise can be given. It was a rendering of great artistic excellence. As Mr. Montague remarked afterwards, "It is seldom that anyone has the chance of playing a part like Joan, and it is seldom, too, that one can find anyone as capable of doing % aa Meme Cosken*