EXCELLENT FARE

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 10

EXCELLENT FARE

REGENT SCREENS BRITISH COMEDY A British production, ‘Mr Cinders ’ offers patrons of tho Regent Theatre English humour of the brightest variety. It has no ulterior motive other than that of amusing the audience, and is, therefore, to be welcomed. Generous slices of humour are to be found in ‘ Mr Cinders,’ which is a modern adaptation of the old theme of Cinderella. It is an excellent farce, perfectly performed, more especially by Clifford Mollison and Zelma O’Neal. The screen play has been take from a stage presentation of the same name which has for some time enjoyed great success at Home, success which will be readily appreciated by everyone who sees the film. While following the original Cinderella theme to an extent ■in detail, the story differs from it in that it is conceived along_ masculine lines. The central figure is Jim, an orphan, who lives with his uncle and aunt, and their two sons, the modern counterparts of the ugly sisters. _ Jim is shown, following the traditional theme, as the drudge of the family, constantly dancing attention on tho others, and receiving little or no consideration in return, until the daughter of a neighbouring American millionaire puts in an appearance. This eligible young woman, portrayed by Zelma O’Neal, takes an instant fancy_ to tho harassed nephew, with the merriest imaginable results, especially when she persuades him to attend a ball dressed up in a suit of armour as the Earl of Ditcham. In that guise he manages to capture two jewel thieves, thus earning the gratitude of the father, and, incidentally, the hand of the daughter. As Jim, Clifford Mollison, give a good account of himself, and .has the handling of some bright dialogue. Zelmo O’Neal provides a new brand of burlesque and humour and the two Western brothers sing such numbers as their famous, “Delightful People Aren’t We All ’ and ‘ I Think of You, Dear,’ in a manner which is sure to find instant favour, and which is certain to assure their future success in films. _ * Mr Cinders ’ is a type of production essentially English in character, but one which American producers would do Well to imitate if they could, for while the-story is old enough, the setting is new, and the comedy is never of the jarring, boisterous type. One criticism may be ventured. Renee Houston, of the famous Houston Sisters, has a small part. It might with profit havo been made much larger. As usual, the Regent supports are up to the mark. These include an interesting industrial picture dealing with fruit canning, picturesque scenes of_ beautiful Tasmania, a Pathe Pictorial, and an entertaining newsreel.