ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 70, 15 December 1932, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE, WANGANUI. Wynne Gibson, the talented young actress, has her first big starring role with raramount in "The Strange Case of Clara Deane, 1 ’ coming on Saturday next to the Regent Theatre. In this production, Miss Gibson attains to heights that will bring her great fame in the annals of the photo-play. The story takes the audience over a span of about 20 years, and the gradual metamorphosis of the hapless Clara Deane through the years of trying circumstances is shown with all the production value, all the skill of advanced artistry in the use of make-up for which raramount is famous. Married to a worthless man, on the eve of his sentence for embezzlement, she struggles valiantly during the next five years _ to bring happiness to the life of their little daughter, Freed from prison, her thieving husband gets into a series of “jams and when finally he is caught, Clara Deane is accused and sentenced as his accomplice. Iler daughter is adopted by the detective chief of the city, who brings her up as his own. into charming young womanhood. Released from prison, Clara Deane gets a job as a seamstress. She reads with a twinge of ironic joy that her daughter is about to be married to a worthy young man. Discretion keeps her from making herself known to the young woman. Meanwhile her husband learns of the (laughter's happy position in society—and threatens a blackmail campaign which will ruin the happiness of the young bride-to-be. The climax packs a terrific heart-wallop in a series of melodramatic incidents, with Clara Deane ns the heroine. The ending is not the customary sugary one —but contains a satisfying modicum of happiness. Supporting Miss Gibson are Vat O'Brien, of "The Front Page” fame: Frances Dee. brunette charmer, of “An American Tragedy”: Dudley Digges, George Barbier. Russell Gleason. Clara Blandick. and others. Plans arc now open at the Bristol and theatre.