REGENT THEATRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20487, 22 February 1941, Page 3

REGENT THEATRE

BETTE DAVIS IN “DARK VICTORY'’ The new drama starring Bette Davis, “Dark Victory,” heads the programme at the Regent Theatre. The film is one in which Miss Davis is given a change from her costume roles in “Jezebel” and “The Sisters.” Her portrayal of the modern young and vivacious society girl who suddenly finds that, because of a serious brain illness, she cannot live another whole year, is very well done. An equally 'difficult role is played by George Brent; he is the doctor who operates on the girl, and who later marries her and spends with her the last months of her life. The essentially tragic nature of the film does not force itself upon the notice of the audience, for the acting is so good that it holds the lull attention from the beginning lo the closing scenes, in which disaster overtakes the heroine. For her part in the film, it is predicted that Bette Davis will be voted an Academy award. She herself declared that the role was an ideal one from her point of view. The story concerns Judith Traherne (Bette Davis), who is a 2B-year-old Long Island heiress, member of a set with one common devotion—the thoroughbred horse. When serious illness threatens to overtake Judith, she laughs about it until her friends force her to consult Dr. Frederick Steele (George Brent), who is planning to retire to research work. A delicate brain operation saves Judith, but the doctor now knows she has about 10 more months to live. Ten months of joyous life—then death quickly, within a few hours. Of her plight only Dr. Stceie and Ann King, Judith’s secretary and closest friend, are aware. Judith falls deeply in love with her physician and he with her. Resolved to make her final months happy ones, Dr. Steele asks Judith to ; marry him, and they become engaged, j Life becomes idyllic to Judith, soon to | be happily married. When she acci-1 dentally learns the truth about herself, | fear and resentment combine to make j her lash out at her fiance. She cm- j barks on a mad whirl of parties and j gaiety, while the doctor hovers on the j fringe of the fast new set to which Judith has become falsely attached. The folly of this is realised soon by Judith and she marries Dr. Steele and goes to live with him in his beautiful Vermont farm. Here she works and keeps house happily, while he does his research work. The change portrayed by Bette Davis from the gay and careless society girl to the considerate and helpful wife is extremely well done. Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Ronald Regan, and Henry Travers are other outstanding players in the cast. There is an interesting supporting programme, headed by Frank Andrews, entertainer at the Diano. who is proving popular with Regent audiences. His comedy act at the piano is indeed a revelation and must be seen by all to be readily appreciated. The Aus.tl’alian press have acclaimed him as one of the finest of entertainers. Hm slaving is considered nothing short o! marvellous for lie knows nol a single note of music, ami his clever comedy acl. plus his spontaneous wit represents a real treat.