DIVERSIFIED ENTERTAINMENT

Evening Star, Issue 20942, 5 November 1931, Page 9

DIVERSIFIED ENTERTAINMENT

DOUBLE BILL FOR REGENT \ ’’v* ,* What a Widow,’ which is the princfpal of the two pictures to be shown at the Regent Theatre to-morrow, serves to reintroduce the popular star, Gloria Swanson, to her aumirers. This time the forlorn lady who carried the weight of the world on her lissom shoulders in ‘ The Trespasser * is a timid soul; a widow who was more nurse than bride to an eccentric millionaire whose fortune she is resolved to spend in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness* A trim transatlantic liner and the modernistic drawing rooms of Paris are the background for an involved comedy, it is announced, in which Miss Swanson is loved by an American lawyer, _ a Russian pianist, and a Spanish violinist, with a French dancer being interpreted by Lew Cody. Owen Moore and Margaret Livingston are prominent in the supporting cast. Two steamers, which are means of transit by which Miss Swanson is shown crossing the Atlantic during the course of * What a Widow! - were actually photographed and recorded in movement and appear as themselves in the film—the s.s. Hie de France, of the French Line, and the Dornier plane, the DO-X, which has carried 169 people at one time as crew and passengers. In addition to * What a Widow! * there will be screened a particularly bright song and dance show, ‘ Putting on the Rite.’ Joan Bennett proves that she has still another reason for her success and popularity on the screen in ‘ Putting on the Rite.’ A capable actress and possessed of unusual beauty and charm, playing opposite to New. York’s favourite singing star, Harry, Richxnan, Miss Bennett also demonstrates in this picture that she can sing as well. In the role of Richman s vaudeville partner, she sings a number of songs, including two numbers in conjunction with Richman. Richman, it might he said, is no inconsiderable partner for a newcomer, inasmuch as his golden voice has made him the star of George White’s ‘Scandals’ and the leading night club entertainer of Broadway. More than 200 dancers, all trained under the direction of Maurice Kusell, appear in several richly-dressed numbers in ‘ Putting on the Ritz.’ Costumes for the dances were designed by Alice O’Neill, one of Hollywood’s foremost designers, and the sets were created by William Cameron Menzies. * Putting on the Ritz ’ includes among its notable cast, Joan Bennett, James Gleason, Aileen Pringle, Lilyan Tashraan, Richard Tucker. Purnell Pratt,and Eddie Kane. Edward Sloman directed the picture, which is based on an original story by John W. Considine, jun. The picture will introduce a number of Irving Berlin songs, written especially for Richman to sing m the production.