“TREASURE ISLAND”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20509, 10 January 1935, Page 3

“TREASURE ISLAND”

Stevenson Classic Comes to Screen. “ Hide-Out ” will be shown final!v to-morrow night at the Regent Theatre. The supporting programme includes a film showing the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and the Duke of Kent. A boy’s education seems hardly complete until he has read “Treasure Island,” a book which has become a classic of its sort with both children and grown-ups. The talking screen version of Robert Louis Stevenson s famous story will head the new programme at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. Foremost among the talented cast is Wallace Beery as Long John Silver, the rascally “ timber-leg ” who seeks to possess the treasure by treachery. There is not enough villainy in his make-up to offend the most critical, for he has an unfailing weakness for Jackie Cooper, who takes the part of Jim Hawkins, and with such a sott spot in a tough heart. Long John is a lovable villain for all his piratical habits. Jackie Cooper has the most responsible role of his career, and takes honours for his performance. The “ close-ups ” reveal a wealth of acting ability, for he expresses alternating fear, enjoyment, excitement, and so on like a veteran. The original story is reasonably adhered to, and the picture has undoubted appeal for adults as well as the thrill it holds for youngsters. Lionel Barrymore makes the opening of the story with his fearsome rum-sodden character, the man who started all the treasure-hunting business. Then there is “ Chic ” Sale as a highly diverting Ben Gunn, the old man of the island, hairy and itchy, full of “ says I,” “ says you,” and “ says he.” Another part is that of the overbearing, unnautical Squire Trelawney, who backed the venture and unfortunately sailed with it. The romantic background of the sea, a big sailing ship, and the inevitable quota of “ scurvy knaves ” from the pirate lairs —toothless, evil, touslev-haired and strongly armed—all are there. At the matinee on Saturday, a number of gifts will be distributed among the children. Box plans at the D.I.C.