"THE DARK ANGEL."

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 116, 12 November 1935, Page 5

"THE DARK ANGEL."

For the Regent Theatr*

Hours before the Leicester Square Theatre was due to open recently ii> London with the first presentation of the film "The Dark Angel," starring Miss Merle Oberon, Mr. Fredric March and Mr. Herbert Marshall great crowds collected in the square, and five times the doors of the theatre were rushed. Many of those who had tickets for the performance remained in the vestibule to watch the arrival of th» famous stars who attended this event in greater numbers than on any previous cinema first night in London. The first time the crowd rushed the doors of the theatre was for the arrival of Mr. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Miss Gertrude Lawrence. They are tremendous favourites with film crowds Mr. and Mrs. Fredric Marcn arrived with Mr. Noel Coward. Mr. Charles Laughton came with Miss Elsa Lanchester. A specially warm welcome was given to Miss Merle Oberon who arrived with Mr. Peter Lindsay, and is the heroine of "The Dark Angel." Mi Richard Tauber and Miss Diana Napier were welcomed most warmly, as befits two of the most popular stars in British films. None of the expert autograph hunters seemed to recognise one of the greatest of star-makers in film history. Mr. Jesse Lasky entered the theatre unobserved. "The Dark Angel," which will be shown at the Regent Theatre 911 Friday, is one of the really great pictures. The story is beautifully and harmoniously told. Miss Merle Oberon has the most exacting of the three principal parts, and plays it with superb sympathy and understanding "The Dark Angel" for her is a sheer triumph, placing her in the very front rank 0* cinema stars. The best that one could hope for from her acting of Anno Boleyn has been more than fulfilled. Mr. Fredric March and Mr. Herbert Marshall are perfectly cast in the parts of the two men who love the heroine of the tale and act- with most consummate artistry. Mr. March gives what is the finest performance of his career. "The Dark Angel" is a great film, and its first night was the most glamorous film occasion London has yet seen. The resignation of Commissioner F. G. Molesworth was accepted with regret at last night's meeting of the Johnsonville Town Board. Commit sioner MolesworUi is leaving the dietrlct.