REGENT THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 72, 17 December 1938, Page 17

REGENT THEATRE

* Laurel And Hardy In ' “Blockheads”

The Stan Laurel-Oliver Hardy comedy team returns to the screen at the Regent Theatre in another laugh triumph. Block heads,” in which these versatile funsters are supported by a competent cast headed bv Minna Gombell, Patricia Ellis, and Billy Gilbert. This Hal Roach comedy, which opened at the Regent on ihuitsday, has little story value to recommend it, but it is so full of laughable and ridiculous situations that one accepts as normal the most impossVlc happenings and settles down to enjoy an evening of wholehearted laughter. Laurel and Hardy are Screamingly funny as two war-time companions reunited after 20 years. Before the signing of the Armistice, Laurel lias been told to guard his post till relieved from duty. He remains there all alone with only a steadily mounting pile ot bean-cans to murk the passage of the years. Finally he brings down a passing airman and only then learns that the War has been over for 20 years. Back in a war veterans’ home in America, Laurel is quite happy till he Is rescued by Hardy, who takes him to his home to meet his wife (Minna.Gombell). It is Oliver’s first wedding anniversary, and th.» arrival of a guest is not welcomed by Mrs. Hardy, who expresses herself freely and forcibly on her husband's habits, appearance and. antecedents. She then, departs to her mother’s home, but on finding ■that her new car has been wrecked by the homecoming pair, returns to wreak vengeance on her husband and his friend. Next door neighbours of the Hardys are Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert (Billy Gilbert and Patricia Ellis). The husband, an explorer and crack shot, is jealous of his wife, and is suspicious of her every action. Mrs. Hardy returns while Mrs. Gilbert is in her apartment and the frantic efforts of the two men to hide Mrs. Gilbert give rise to many laughable situations.- Gag follows gag with amazing rapidity, and the final curtain is a relief for laughter-sore sides. / The supporting programme is excellent. There.is a bright cartoon, "Nostradamus,”’ an historical mystery, a Pete Smith novelty, “Story of Dr. Carver,” a travel talk in colour, “Cairo, City of Contrasts,” and “Think It Over," one of the Crime Does Not Pay series dealing with the arson racket.