The maestro of "spectacle" has outdone himself in the filming of the Wilson Barrett play.

The Sign of the Cross -- partly, it must be admitted, because of the nature of the subject -- remains the most brutal as well as the most spectacular talkie yet made.

Magnificent in background and stupendous in cast, with countless thousands assisting the excellent principals in lurid scenes of court and sordid scenes of sport. And in spite of its spectacular scope and power, the picture moves.

Truly, The Sign of the Cross is the biggest thing the screen has offered since the coming of the talkies. We would hesitate to report, however, that it is the talkies' greatest achievement.