PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 24482, 17 April 1943, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT 'The Affairs of Martha' comes, in these days of stress, as refreshing comedy. Yesterday the film opened at the Regent in a most satisfying manner, demonstrating capable acting, skilled direction, and clever material. This was the picture's first showing in New Zealand, and it met with unanimous approval. .The story concerns a family in society ■ which is agitated to distraction by the announcement in a gossip column that a certain housemaid is writing a book—a revealing book, having much to say about the private lives of her employers and their associates in the so-called " four hundred." Unknown to the family, the son is mar-, ried to the maid. At the same time, a divorce being imminent, the son is i engaged to a society girl. The maid is receiving attention from two suitors and her "sub rosa" husband is extremely jealous. The highly complicated situation, which is eventually cleared up, affords many instances of bright humour. Marsha Hunt portrays the maid, and 'Richard Carlston as the young husband is very good. Melville Cooper and Spring. Byington take the parts of the worried parents, and Frances Drake is the fiancefe. The story has a novel idea behind it. and provides a most entertaining picture. OCTAGON »' A Gentleman After Dark,' dramatic adaptation of Richard ■ W. Child's famous story, ' A Whiff of Heliotrope,' opened at the Octagon yesterday. The picture has an excellent cast, three popular stars occupying leading roles. They are Brian Donlevy. Miriam Hopkins, and Preston Foster. Many impressive sets are contained in the film. One of the most unusual is a replica of the "hoodlum hotel on the Hudson," better known as Sing Sing. But, in contrast with the prison scenes, are many colourful sets in New York, Europe, and South America. Heliotrope is the flower worn by the hero in the picture, and it plays an important part in the plot. This is a sweetscented lavender flower that is used as a symbol of good luck. Its perfume, while delicate, is '■ unmistakeable, a quality that a law-breaker should