AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 3 May 1938, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “SMILIN' THROUGH’’ .NORMA SHEARER In response to an overwhelming demand by the public, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has again released the immortal classic, “Smilin' Through,” throughout the world, and the return season opened at the Regent to-day. This beautiful story, which has stirred, the hearts of countless theatregoers since Jane Cowl first presented it on the New York stage, takes on a new glow under the witchery of Norma Shearer’s acting. The de-light of audiences in viewing this picture again proves it to be one of the few photoplays able to stand the test of time. With such sterling actors as Fredric March and Leslie Howard supporting Miss Shearer, "Smilin’ Through" still works its spell of tears and smiles, still sways the heart by its moments of pathos which precede and follow the lighter moments of gaiety. Not even in her more recent brilliant “Barretts of Wimpolc Street’ has Miss Shearer surpassed the stirring work she offers in her dual portrayals of the two girls. In making a departure from the sophistry of her usual modern roles she is a buoyant, radiant and refreshing spirit. Fredric March, both ns the jilted lover and the youth who rer turns later to win her, is suave and convincing. Leslie Howard has a powerful role as the man who lives with Jiis bitter memories from youth to Old age, and invests his role with the charm for which he is distinguished. Tt is a remarkable tribute to the stars and to the director, Sidney Franklin, to be able to report that “Smilin’ Through” on its second showing is every inch as stirring and effective as whgn the picture was first released to the public. If you have already seen it, you will want to see it again; if you missed it the first time, you have a treat in store. A fine array of featurettes include an Our Gang comedy,’“Mail and Female,” "Cowboy Shorty,” with the always popular Shorty the monkey, and the Regent News Service.

KING’S THEATRE “A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS": LAST NIGHT Closing a season at the King’s Theatre to-night is an R.K.0.-Radio musical comedy "A Damsel in Distress.” Fred Astaire, George Burns and Grade Allen, head the strong cast, which also includes Joan Fontaine, Reginald Gardiner and Ray Noble. "A Foggy Day in London,”

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