ATTRACTION FOR REGENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22028, 7 February 1935, Page 14

ATTRACTION FOR REGENT

SPECTACULAR ENGLISH FILM That romantic figure, Douglas Fairbanks, makes his first appearance in an English picture, " The Private Life of Don Juan," which commences its Auckland season at the Regent Theatre to-inorrow. Also in the cast are Binnie Barnes, Merle Oberon, Benita Hume, Jean Gardiner and several other beautiful English actresses. Directed by Alexander Korda, of " Henry the Eighth " and " Catherine the Great " fame, this spectacular production is a film version of a hitherto unrecorded period in the life of a man generally considered to be the world's most romantic and famous lover. The photography has been described by several prominent overseas critics as the most striking and artistic to have been seen on the screen for many months. A subtle and ironic fantasy on Spanish life and love several centuries ago, the film provides ample scope for such actors as Fairbanks and Miss Barnes," both of whom are sajd to give remarkably fine portrayals. It is by sheer force of personality that Fairbanks makes the picture what it is, romping his way through every scene in the dashing way that has made him the idol of theatre audiences the world over. Historical and semi-historical films have enjoyed an immense and extraordinary popularity during recent months, and there is every reason to expect that " The Private Life of Don Juan " will enjoy the same successful seasons as some of its predecessors. The rostuming is dazzling in its magnificence, the scene during the funeral of the bogus Don Juan being especially brilliant.