REGENT THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 13

REGENT THEATRE

“Modern Times” The magic of the name of Chaplin must have been largely responsible for the tremendous reception which has greeted his latest offering, “Modern Times,” which has now commenced its second week at the Regent Theatre. But once the film was under way the audiences have swiftly realised that here is no comedian living on a name made in days long gone by, but one who, while retaining his own inimitable style, has moulded his production to suit modern standards .of entertainment. “Modern Times” tells of the adventures of a workman who through pure misadventure, finds himself in jail on numerous occasions, but who, when released, always finds a young orphan girl whom be had befriended waiting for him. They go through many adventures, and finally sei out to try and make their fortune, the picture ending in true Chaplin fashion, with the little comedian walking out of (he film—but this time, departing I from his usual custom, he still ha.o his sweetheart with him. There is no doubt that this is one of the finest films Chaplin has ever made, and that for all its oldfashioned silent devices (the comedian never speaks, although he sings in hilarious fashion iu one sequence), its almost unnecessary captions and awkward story tricks, it has dignity, feeling and power It is a comedy of poverty; the comedy Chaplin has always played. But this time it is not a never-never land of poverty—a circus, a back lot or any waterfront —it is a poverty of-our own times; and it is very real. It is also very funny, for the super-pantomimist has not lost his touch. Also, he has become a slightly different type of funny man—one that he has always wanted to be and has. in “Modern Times,” finally created. Playing opposite the comedian is the elfish Paulette Goddard (his fiancee), who is ideally cast as a gamin of the waterfront. Then there is Chaplin’s old partner. Hank Mann, who played with him in many of the silent films. Even though the comedian does not speak, it in no way seems to detract from the enjoyment of the show. Perhaps it is fust as well that he does not speak, for the laughter of the audience is so loud that it is doubtful if any of the dialogue would be beard. Preceding “Modern Times” is a most entertaining supporting bill, including gazettes, a Mickey Mouse cartoon, and a new “.March of Time,” telling in graphic manner of events past and present in France and in Russia. “Little Lord Fauntleroy.” Commencing next Friday at the Regent Theatre is “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” starring the polished hoy aetor, Freddie Bartholomew. This film has had exceptionally successful seasons in other centres.