“HOOK. LINE AND SINKER”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 18 (Supplement)

“HOOK. LINE AND SINKER”

COMEDY AT THE REGENT. CHAPLIN’S FILM COMING. Not only is “Hook, Line and Sinker,” now showing at tho Regent Theatre, said to be the greatest Beit Wheeler, and Robert Woolsey comedy to date, but it is said Io contain more varied and genuine entertainment than any, fun-film ever produced. Much of its action takes place in the largest indoor set ever built., a rambling completely equipped hotel xvhere the troupe spent' six weeks, “shooting” 868 hilarious ( scenes. For exterior scenes, the historic Bakersfield, California, country—

a land of magnificent rugged beauty—was visited. The story, constructed solely for laughing purposes, presents a laugh-a-second tale of a clash between big underworld mobs and high society fashionables. This necessitated using dramatic players such as Ralf Harolde, Hollywood's most debonair villain; Natalie Moorhead, vampish beauty; George Xtarion, with 50 years’ experience in acting; Hugh Herbert, well-known character actor, and six others equally as well known. Among the professional funsters who have contributed to this thrilling alllaughing comedy-romancc, were Dorothy Lee, whose sense of humour does not detract from her rare beauty; Jobyna Howland, Amazonian comedienne; Tim Whelan, veteran humorist-writer; Ralph Spence, wise cracking dialoguist, and, of course, Bert Wheeler. Eddie Cline, who directed most of the original comedies of Mack Scnnett, piloted the story for Radio Pictures. “City Lights” Is Coining. Charlie Chaplin’s answer to talking pictures comes to the Regent Theatre next Wednesday, with the presentation of “City Lights,” undoubtedly the greatest contribution to the screen of the beloved comedian since he became a public idol. It is a fast-moving, romantic comedy, with numerous dramatic highlights and touches of pathos such as only the genius of Chaplin knows. There is not one word of dialogue used in the production but a delightful variation of music and sound is synchronized to the action throughout. Tho story, by Chaplin, is one o£ life in a large city. It has great human appeal and has been brilliantly directed by the comedian. The characters are all natural and that which transpires rings with realism. There are but three characters vital to the story. The leading male portrayal falls to the comedian and he presents himself in his familiar tramp getup. Of next importance is a flower girl who is blind; the other is an eccentric millionaire. Three other characters that figure prominently are the blind girl’s grandmother, played by Florence Lee; the millionaire’s butler, portrayed by Allan Garcia, and a prizefighter, enacted by Hank Mann. A new personality comes to the screen in Virginia Cherrill, the leading woman. She portrays the flower girl. Her performance is excellent and she gave every evidence of a bright future in the films. Miss Cherrill is a young woman of unusual beauty, with much charm. Her work showed much grace and ease and she is certain to win favour immediately. Harry Myers is delightful as the eccentric millionaire. His performance in “City Lights” as Charlie’s chief foil, is without exception among the best things he has ever done for the screen. There are many surprises in “City Lights” and for that reason it would not. be policy to go into a full resume of the story. From the first scene audiences have been rocked with laugh ter. There is no question but that a scene depicting a night at a prize fight club is the funniest of all events ever included in any motion picture. It is understood that. Chaplin worked almost three years making “City Lights” and that the producer comedian expended 1,500,000 dollars before, he finally completed bis work.