REGENT THEATRE FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 17

REGENT THEATRE FILM

MERLE OBERON'S SUCCESS If only for the interest which has been aroused by the sudden rise to fame of the Tasmaninn-born actress Merle Oberon, the outstanding romantic drama "The Dark Angel" seems assured of a most successful season at the Regent Theatre, where it will have its initial presentation to-morrow. However, when the names of Fredric March and Herbert Marshall are included there remains little doubt why this picture has received such enthusiastic receptions overseas. After her remarkable portrayal of Ann Boleyn in "The Private Life of Henry VIII." and her equally brilliant study of a Japanese marchioness in "The Battle," Miss Oberon was recognised as possessing unusual ability. When she came under the notice of Samuel Goldwyn ho set out with the avowed intention of giving her the opportunity of breaking away from the glamorous Oriental roles which had been her lot. The result has been her masterly performance in " The Dark Angel." Her portrayal is said to be marked by a charming grace and poise, while her acting reaches emotional heights which place her in the front rank of motion picture actresses. No less responsible for the success of this United Artists production are Fredric March and Herbert Marshall. The former is said to enhance the splendid reputation of one of the leading character actors on the screen, which he gained in "Les Miserables" and "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," while Marshall is seen at his best as a retiring English officer. The film is a poignant romance of two army officers who loved the same girl, and although this theme may seem stereotyped, it is treated with such originality by the producer and with so much sincerity and finesse by the characters that it has earned the title of the most beautiful film of the year. The story is full of highly dramatic moments and is treatea in such a masterly fashion that interest is never lost. Heading a supporting programme which maintains the unusually high standard of the main film is a Mickey Mouse cartoon in colour, " Mickey's Garden." .... .