AMUSEMENTS

Northern Advocate, 10 November 1934, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT. “OF HUMAN BONDAGE.” A poignant and strikingly human treatment of the age-old theme of the strange power of a beautiful woman is given in the picturisation of the famous novel of Somerset Maugham, which was screened at the Regent last evening. Leslie Howard is starred in the film, playing the role of a medical student who becomes enamoured of an unworthy, but—to him—strikingly magnetic woman. Unwillingly attracted at first, her strange power grows over him until his soul is virtually in “human bondage” to her. Bound by the ties of his strange and idealistic passion, he clings to her and comes to her aid, even when he knows that she is soulless, treacherous and utterly unworthy. I When it seems that his whole life is to be ruined, fate takes a hand in freeing him from the bondage which is slowly destroying his moralg. Bette Davis plays what she considers the strongest role of her career, that of the heartless girl who takes all and gives nothing but unhappiness. Kay Johnson and Frances Dee are other feminine figures in .the picture’s absorbing romantic pattern, and leading male supporting roles are played by Reginald Denny, Alan Hale, Reginald Sheffield and Reginald Owen, John Cromwell directed. Excellent supports include the arrival at Melbourne of the winners of the Centenary air race, a fine scenic of Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world; a good comedy; and in addition the parade of bathing girls. “In Human Bondage" will bo shown again tonight at the Regent, and will provide a good finish for race day.