REGENT THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12530, 16 April 1935, Page 7

REGENT THEATRE

FINAL DAY OF “THE MIGHTY BARNUM” Wallace Beery's latest picture, “The Mighty Harumn” will make its final appearance at the Regent .to-nigh,t. “JAVA HEAD” TO-MORROW A really exceptional production, “Java Head” will be shown at the Regent Tlif'itro to-morrow. This line picture, adapted 'from the novel by Joseph Hergesiieimen. was produced by Basil Dean, with Edmund G'wenn, Anna May Wong, Elizabeth Allan, and John Loder as the principal plafvcrs- This combination of individual talents has resulted in a picture that is> throughout deeply interesting, dramatic, an exceptionally well acted. “Java. Head” well depicts Hcrgesheimer’s intriguing romance of! tlio old sailing ship days and the acting of the chief playem is sound and restrained. Edmund Gwenn, as usual, gives an impression of strength and sincerity in his acting. He takes the part of the old sea captain, with one of liis sons inheriting his love of the sea. the other inclined to life on land, and concerned only with profits. Into his Bristol home his first son one day brings a Chinese wife, clothed in the glory of her Manchu robes. John Loder makejs a. hero, and the scene in which lie takes his. wife toi church amid tlio gossiping townspeople is particuarly well done. Again, in Anna May Wong, there is seen an actress whose work rings true and who, in this instance, gives' the "needed Oriental flavour to the film. She gives a meritorious pe’itfornianjco e.p the Chinese 'princess wlioin Loder brings home as Lis wife, * and wAo kills herself when she finds that lie loves his old Bristol’ sweetheart, a role capably played by Elizabeth Allan. The fine .dramatic instinct of tlio novelist has provided excellent material for an outstanding feature. VLANS OPEN FOR “HAPPINESS AHEAD” The box plans are 'now open for next iSaurday’s attraction, “Happiness Ahead. ”•