Deception (Warner Bros.) (1946)

‘Deception’, At Strand, | Is Outstanding Drama (Prepared Review) One of filmdom’s most capable quartets— Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and director Irving Rapper — combine their prodigal talents for the second time to achieve another outstanding motion picture drama. The new film, which opened last night at the Strand Theatre, is Warner Bros.’ “Deception”, a romantic drama which stars the trio of abovementioned performers and which bears the unmistakable mark of Rapper’s extraordinary directorial ability. It was the joint effort of this same quartet which resulted in the highly successful ‘“Now, Voyager” of a few seasons back, and judging from the warm reception which greeted “Deception”, it looks as if the foursome has hit upon a surefire formula for winning filmfare. Based on a play by Louis Verneuil, “Deception” tells the highly dramatic story of a woman whose love for two men almost ruins the lives of all three. As Christine Radcliffe, Bette Davis is once more spotlighted in a modern role, as a lovely young pianist who chooses a life of glamour and ease with the great composerconductor, Alexander Hollenius (Claude Rains) in preference to a lonely existence dedicated to the memory of her love for Karel Novak (Paul Henreid), Czech cellist long since given up as dead in the maelstrom of Europe. Turns Up Alive But Karel, remarkably enough, turns up very much alive, and it remains for Christine to untangle her romantic involvements as best she can in order to marry Karel. Christine’s way, however, follows the easiest path and what begins as the first’ unimportant falsehood grows into a web of deception that eventually envelops and cuts off the life of one of the two men Christine has loved; nor does it stop before Christine herself is inextricably caught up in its threads. The intensity of emotional pitch achieved in “Deception” is due partly to an excellent screenplay by John Collier and Joseph Than and partly to the individual performances of the film’s three stars. The extraordinary ability of Bette Davis, so uncannily artful that an audience invariably loses its objectivity and becomes completely immersed in Miss Davis’ cinematic problems, was never more in evidence than in “Deception.” Suffice it to say that the actress’ legion of fans will be more than delighted with her newest screen characterization. Excellent portrayals are offered, too, by both male stars, with Paul Henreid presented in his most romantic, and Rains in his most provocative, role to date. Stull No. 665-8 ROMANTICALLY together again are Bette Davis and Paul Henreid (above) who, with Claude Rains, comprise the stellar trio in Warners' “Deception,” opening tonight at the Strand. MAT No. IE In a small but capable supporting cast, John Abbott and Benson Fong deserve a special word of praise. Produced by Henry Blanke, “Deception” also boasts some fine original music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, presented as an integral part of the film story, under the musical directorship of Leo F. Forbstein. All in all, “Deception’ is a thoroughly rewarding evening’s entertainment. Don’t miss it! Dumps Feline Problem Into Unwilling Lap Irving Rapper, who won’t direct a picture without a cat in it, finally found a spot for one in Warner Bros.’ “Deception,” which stars Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains and opens Friday at the Strand. The director finally placed the cat on Claude Rains’ lap in an apartment scene. Rains agreed in advance, providing the animal would be an Angora, the only breed he’ll tolerate. Bette Davis Stars In Romantic Drama At Strand Friday (Advance Theatre Story) In “Deception,” Warner Bros.’ new romantic drama which arrives Friday at the Strand, Bette Davis is cast in a modern, sophisticated role as Christine Radcliffe, lovely young pianist who weaves a fateful web of deceit around the lives of the two men she loves. With stellar aid from Paul Henreid and Claude Rains, in addition to Bette Davis, the film depicts the highly dramatic situation resulting when Karel Novak (Paul Henreid), Czech cellist, supposedly long dead, returns to marry Christine who is by. now emotionally involved with the unpredictable Alexander Hollenius (Claude Rains), great and erratic composerconductor. How Christine attempts to solve the problem according to her heart’s dictate and how she’ is finally and _ inextricably caught up in the web of her own long-practiced deceptions, makes an exciting motion picture experience which leads to a most unusual denouement. Based on a play by Louis Verneuil, the screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. Produced by Henry Blanke, the film was directed by Irving Rapper who also directed the same trio of stars in the highly successful “Now, Voyager” of a few seasons back. “Deception” has a notable musical background as well as a vital love story. The film’s score includes Beethoven’s ‘“Appassionata” and a Haydn Concerto, as well as an original Concerto by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. ‘Deception’ Heads New Bill Starting Friday At Strand (Advance Reader) Warner Bros.’ “Deception,” a dramatic love story about one woman and the two men she loves, heads the new program coming to the Strand on Friday. Starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains, the film was directed by Irving Rapper and produced by Henry Blanke. Adapted froma play by Louis Verneuil, the screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. Erich Wolfgang Korngold contributed the film’s original music. Daily Practice Makes Bette Davis Perfect After a month of almost daily workouts at the piano for her role as a pianist in Warner Bros.’ “Deception,” Bette Davis pol ished up the fine points under the tutelage of Shura Cherkassky, prominent concert pianist. Paul Henreid and Claude Rains are also starred in the romantic drama which opens Friday at the Strand Theatre. Talented Quartet Reunited For New Warner Film Drama (Current Theatre Story) Film fans who acclaimed the Bette Davis-Paul Henreid Claude Rains and director Irving Rapper combine in the highly successful “Now, Voyager” a few seasons back, will be pleased to learn that the popular quartet are reunited in the new Warner Bros.’ drama, “Deception,” currently at . the Strand Theatre. In this highly dramatic love story, Miss Davis portrays Christine Radcliffe, | pianist, who finds her happy marriage with Karel Novak (Paul Henreid), talented cellist, threatened by a past that involves her relationship with Alexander Hollenius (Claude Rains), renowned composer and conductor. Hollenius, despite his marked displeasure with the marriage, offers to assist Karel’s musical career. Christine doubts the composer’s sincerity but her anxiety for her husband’s future stifles her suspicions. Her fears mount, however, as the composer cunningly and cruelly prods Karel’s jealousy to the breaking point. Believing Hollenius plots purposely to wreck Karel’s musical career, Christine, bewildered and enraged, resolves to thwart the scheme at any cost. The electrifying climax provides the dynamic Bette with an unusual opportunity to display her true stature as an emotional actress, the stature which has won for her in the past the appellation of first lady of the screen. Based on a play by Louis Verneuil, “Deception” was directed by Irving Rapper, who will be remembered for his expert direction of “Rhapsody in Blue,” and “The Adventures of Mark Twain” as well as the above-mentioned “Now Voyager.” Produced by Henry Blanke, the screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. The film’s original music was written by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.