RECENT THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11835, 4 January 1933, Page 7

RECENT THEATRE

—-=*&.■ — “PAYMENT DEFERRED" AND "SCRAM” A now star, Charles Laughton, is introduced to the Gisborne picturegoing public in "Payment Deterred'’, the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. 'This noted English actor who has created a sensation in the leumonths he hai> been in Holly,wood, gives a characterisation which stands out as one of the most dynamic and forceful characterisations, yet given on the talking screen and fully justifies big title of ‘‘the English Emil tannings.” With the minimum of effort ho is able to surround his characterisation with a brutal and sinister force which lias seldom been equalled. The theme, the devious yet relentless manner in .which Fate repay* a murderer, might have become in loss able hands a. mere horror film; but •'Payment Deferred” is far more than that. Jt is a logical and realistic study of an ordinary man in the grip of terrible forces. Laughton’s portrayal of the man who commits •‘the perfect crime’’ and is sent to "The Chair” for another crime of which he was absolutely guiltless, is enhanced by the brilliant work of .Dorothy Peterson as the man’s wife, Yerree Toasdalo as "the other woman” and by the appealing portrayal of his daughcr by Maureen O’Sullivan Not loss important in. the programme is the Laurel and Hardy film. In this th e . two old favorite,si are at last brought up on (lie long-expected vagrancy charge, but, as the gaol is over-crowded, they arc told to "scram” by a harassed magistrate. The adventures that befall them in trying to help an inebriated gentleman. who only assists them to get more and more in each other’s way are a* funny as any that, the inimitable pair have yet made. But later, when they invade the wrong bouse at. tho' lcind invitation of their drunken frienct, who dows not know himself where he is, they reach now heights of hilarity. A Metro Newsreel and a Flip the FTog cartoon, complete a well-balanced night’s programme.