The World Of Motion Pictures

Southland Times, Issue 22486, 22 January 1935, Page 10

The World Of Motion Pictures

THE REGENT

NOW SHOWING: “The Affairs o£ Cellini” (Frederic March. Constance Bennett, Frank Morgan. Fay Wray) and Disney Coloured Symphony, ‘Wise Little Hen.” COMMENCING WEDNESDAY: “Give Her a Ring” (Clifford Mollison, Wendy Barrie, Zelina O'Neal. Jimmy God-

den.) SATURDAY NEXT: "Romance In the Rain” (Roger Pryor. Heather Angel. Esther Ralston. Ruth Donnelly).

COMING ATTRACTIONS: "Double Door” (Mary Morris, Kent Taylor, Sir Guy Standing, Evelyn Venable)., Beaumont Smith's “Splendid Fellows or The Hayseeds at the Centenary. ♦ * * *

Hollywood has made an entrancing picture out of the doings of that delightful rogue, Benvenuto Cellini. Its translation of the romantic life of the prince of adventurers is to be seen at the Regent under the title of The Affairs of Cellini”—and a very apt title it is. Although one suspects that this picture was made before the Purity campaigners began their depressing work, its very spiciness makes one realize how insipid some recent pictures have been. Fredric March makes an ideal Cellini and. his dashing manner and athletic ways vividly recall the exploits of Douglas Fairbanks, senior, in his heyday. The joyous abandon with which he circumvents irate husbands, soldiers and the guillotine cannot fail to win the admiration of any audience, while as the very regal duchess who can at a moment’s notice, become a very passionate woman, Constance Bennett is superb. Although . these two are the featured stars there is another who is equally deserving of mention. This is Frank Morgan, who in the part of the deceived and deceiving Duke proves that he is one of the outstanding comedians on the screen to-day. The whole picture is a joyous farce elevated to the heights of true comedy by the worth of the principal players. *

Said to be a gay and clever romantic comedy, filled with lilting tunes and dazzling girls “Romance In The Rain” comes to the Regent next Saturday with a splendid Press reputation. The

story is reported to be as refreshing as the title itself and deals with a little Cinderella who suddenly comes to life through a popularity contest and finds the gates of Wonderland open to her. It sparkles and brims with youth and laughter. This picture is not the legendary story of Cinderella, but that of a modern Cinderella, the product of the jazz band and radio age, whose experiences paraphrase .those of her predecessor. Much comedy and romantic interest is supplied by Roger Pryor and Miss Heather Angel, aided by Victor Moore, Esther Ralston, Ruth Donnelly and many others. *

Catchy music, lavish settings, infectious comedy and a lighthearted story are the features of the extremely happy British International production “Give ' Her a Ring,” which comes to the Regent Theatre next Wednesday. Clifford Mollison, Zelma O’Neal, Wendy Barrie, Eric Rhodes and the Diamond Brothers head a particularly capable cast, and the manner in which they frolic around in this merry concoction, lifts it up to a high level of excellence in the realm of musical comedy. “Give Her a Ring” is the story of the flirta'tious complications of Paul and Karen, with Trude and Otto, in a Swedish city. Paul is the director of the local tele-

phone exchange, and he makes a date with an irate subscriber —he likes the sound of Trude’s voice! Karen is a telephone operater, and she makes a date with Otto because he pleads so desperately that he is at a loose end. The assignations become mixed up, however, and it is Paul whom Karen meets, and Trude, who philanders with Otto, Karen being unaware that she is flirting with her boss, while Trude thinks she is being entertained by the telephone chief. a From reports, Colin Tapley, the New Zealand actor, has been making a name for himself in Hollywood. Whether this be true or not Invercargill will be able to judge for itself, as his name appears in the cast of “Double Door” which comes to the Regent shortly. Apart from the great interest created by the appearance of the Dunedin boy in h'/s first real part the picture should prove really interesting. It reveals the story of a tyrannical, half-made spinster who rules the fates and the fortunes of one of New York’s wealthiest families, from within the gloomy family mansion overlooking Fifth Avenue. Evelyn Venable and Sir Guy Standing head a distinguished caste.