REGENT'S NEW FILM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 259, 2 November 1933, Page 8

REGENT'S NEW FILM.

WATERFRONT ROMANCE,

The late Ernest Torrence comes vividly and picturesquely back to life 011 the screen as Eli Kirk, the notorious smuggler who forms the nucleus of the romantic drama pictured in the screen version of Max Miller's novel, "I Cover the Waterfront," which commences a season at the Regent to-morrow. Torrence's last appearance in films is said to mark the finest performance of his long and distinguished career as an actor. His characterisation of the tough old sea dog who makes a living for himself and his daughter, Julie, by smuggling human contraband into the United States, gives the picture an excellent balance of spectacle, romance and discrimination. There are many exciting scenes, including the capturing of elephant sharks. The plot deals with a romance between a Cahfornian waterfront reporter, played by Ben Lyon, and Julie, played by Claudette Colbert. The reporter is out to discover the means by which Chinese are smuggled into the country. He suspects a fisherman, and through the fisherman s daughter he uncovers the unlawful activities of Eli, the fisherman, but during the process finds himself in love with the girl. The drama that ensues leads to a fine climax. The Regent's supporting programme consists of a Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Any Old Port," a comic cartoon entitled "Mickey's Mcllerdrammer," newsrccls. Ivnight Barnett's organ selections and "Fashions, Ltd."—a stage parade of dresses.