The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-10-21

IF | WERE KING
STANDARDIZATION
Film Opening Today Is
Hailed as One OF Out
standing Of Year

Theatergoers who are always on
the alert for something new and
different from the usual run Of
screen fare will be well satisfied
after seeing the grandest romance
ever filmed, "If / Were King,
which opens its engagement at the
Warner Bros. State theater this af-
ternoon.
This production Is but q continue
alton Of the big parade Of hits
which is now In progress at this
theater. Every week the shows keep
coming bigger and better than ever,
with no let down whatever.
The current feature, IF Were
King" has been hailed by many
critics as one Of the outstanding
picture Of the year. It has cast
of over two thousand players, topped
by dozen Of the biggest stars Of
the current day.
Ronald Coleman, whose great ro-
mantle characterizations have made
motion picture history, Is seen In
the lead with Frances Dee, Ellen
Drew, Basil Rathborne heading the
impressive supporting cast.
The Aim Is an epic version Of the
story OF Francois Villon the rogue
who became ruler Of all France for
one glorious week. With Coleman In
the role Of the beloved and colorful
Francois villon the picture paints
history with lively ana waggish, but
always stirring, strokes. This Is
Coleman's greatest role to date on
stage or screen.
The Villon story revolves about the
roistering poet who first wins wide
spread notoriety, not by his verses,
but by footing the kings storehouses
so that the people Of Paris will not
starve to death while Burgundy
blockades the city. Made ruler of
France for a week after meeting the
king In a street brawl, Coleman de-
votes himself to two great conquests,
princess at the court, played by
Frances Dee, and the Burgundia1
amrieS.
A rollicking picture Of medieval
France Is revealed In the tricky
plotting of the old generals against
the spirited newcomer and in the
unpredictable actions of crafty
Louis XII, who manages to keep
them all at each others threats.
When the generals, comfortable be-
hind the stout walls, refuse to go
out and battle for their king, Cole
man saves the day for France by
forming his vagabond friends into
peoples army to meet Burgundy.
1t took the incompatible touch Of
Director Lloyd to carry forward both
a tender love story and a thrilling
tale Of court intrigue at the same
time and never for a moment lose
sight Of either. Coleman has played
many q gay adventureer during
his career, but never one so alive
and winning as his Villon. Miss
Dee, as the proud but warm hearted
princess, makes q perfect romantic
partner for him.
The sensation Of the picture is
the performance Of Basal Rathborne
as Louis XXI, the monarch who
saved France with Villon,s help. So
expertly does he temper his crafti-
ness with good humor and reason,
that even In the torture chamber
scene he is an engaging person.
Honors also go to other members
Of the supporting cast, Ellen Drew,
as Villon's tavern sweetheart, G.
v. France, Henry Wilcoxon and
Ralph Forbes.
Included as the second big hit
Of the program is Broadway Mus
keteers" a tense drama interspersed
with many comedy scenes. The i'm
pressive cast stars Margaret Lind
say, Ann Sheridan, Marie Wilson
and John Litel.
Both Of these picture are included
in the movie quiz contest and will
be big help to contestants when
answering the questions In the
movie quiz booklets. Enter this con-
test today. It's easy and you'll have
plenty Of fun.