RECENT THEATRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 88, 13 March 1941, Page 10

RECENT THEATRE.

“A DATE WITH DESTINY.”

The management of the Regent Theatre will present (what is claimed to be the most tense drama for years) to-morrow at 2, 5 and 7.45, ‘‘A Date With Destiny.’’ The cast is exccllont and includes Basil Ratbbone, Ellen Drew, John Howard, Ralph Morgan and Barbara Allen. “A Date With Destiny,” shows, how a brilliant brain, waiq<jd by the shock of sorrow in youth, can wreak lorriblo vengeanco on society for wrongs suffered, either real or fancied. The film opens in the small town of Midbury, when elderly Doctor Downing, is called to attend Dr. Sebastian s wife whom ho thought had recovered from a bout of pneumonia. Before the old family doctor can get to his destination his patient dies, and, though puzzled, he accepts the death as natural and writes the necessary certificate. Sebastian, ostensibly because theli ouso and its associations hold too many poignant memories, ultimately leaves the district and sets up in New York as -a psychiatrist. HTs commanding person and assuring manner make New York society women attach groat import to his pronouncements, and in time Sebastian is asked to interview beautiful Linda Booth, who is wealthy but prey to a certain melancholia which will not let her enjoy the society of her friends. Sebastian successfully investigates Linda’s case and cures her of her tears, only to fall genuinely in love with her. He had thought at first to marry her for her money, but when he finds his feelings are deeper and finer than they have ever been, ho determines to put behind him the life of deceit , and vengeance and start afresh. Ho has, however, gone too far down the path to recover, and on his wedding day His sins begin to find him out. A rcportei, in love with Linda and jealous of Sebastian’s influence over her, has started a Press campaign against “phony” psychiatrists, and his work leads him down to Midbury, where he meets Dr. Downing. They compjare notes, and come to the conclusion that Sebastian has been guilty of murder on more tlion one occasion..

In addition to ihe picture part of the programme, Frank Andrews, renowned trick > piano player, will be seen on the stage. Mr Andrews, who is making a tour of New Zealand, has mot with tremendous success in the towns he has visited. Patrons will be delighted with this unique act.