The Crimson Playgoer

Heading the bill at the University this week, after several weeks showing in Boston theatres, is the screen version of Alexandre Dumas' adventurous novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." Adhering very closely for the most part to the Dumas script the screen adaptation brings to the movie-goer who likes bold adventurers, mellow romance, and plays of a period far removed from our own, an hour's enjoyable entertainment. Cast in the role of Edmond Dantes, later the Count of Monte Cristo, Robert Donat gives a convincing performance. Suave, dashing, and clever, he captures to a great degree the manner and character of Dumas' immortal hero. Fortunate for the picture, the love interest, supplied by Elissa Landi, is subordinated. Other members of the cast were well selected and aid greatly in presenting a vivid dramatization.

Of a much different atmosphere is the co-feature, "Desirable," a, delightful even if at times unconvincing romance. Jean Muir, newly arrived to stardom, as the naive and ingenuously piquant daughter of a prominent actress too vain to admit having a child so old is charming in her simplicity, George Brent as the old friend of her mother's who elects himself as her guardian and educates her so that she may be "desirable" is as bland and gracious as ever. The role of the actress mother is capably handled by Vera Teasdale. Though at times the acting is overdone and the story turns to maudlin sentimentality, the charm of the young girl struggling to learn about life and love is enough to overcome and obliterate these defects of presentation.

Topped off with a cartoon featuring PopEye the Sailor Man and Grantland Rice Sportlight, the program is one that will be found entertaining for mid-week relaxation.