THE REGENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 139, 15 June 1931, Page 11

THE REGENT

1 • HOOK. LLNE AND SINKER’ ’ Of course it’s funny—this Radio Pic Lures’ “Hook, Line and Sinker,” whicl is now playing at the Regen Theatre. It goes without saying, witl such a battery of professional fun makers contributing to the story ’s hit arious success! In the starring role: arc Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey who can point to four positive “hits’ since they entered the talkie field - “Rio Rita,” “The Cuckoos,” “Hal 4 Shot at Sunrise” and “Dixiana.” Ji the leading feminine role is Dorothy Lee, who combines charm, rare beauty with a hoyednish comedy flair. Jobyna Howland, with a comedy his tory of more than twenty years, inspires bursts of laughter whenever she appear? on the screen. She is six-foot-three her French heels. Hugh Herbert am. George Marion contribute fun mixed with vigorous characterisations. Am last but not least, Tim Whelan, humorous writer, is responsible for the story | “Hook, Line and Sinker”; Ralpl Spence, one of the best known “wise crackers” and dialogue specialists in films, collaborated with Whelan on the lines; and Eddie Cline, a graduate of the Mack Sennett sure-fire comedy school, directed the picture. It’s claimed to bo the best yet by the screen’s funniest two-some —and those who nave seen Wheeler and Woolsey will agree that plenty' of laughs are guaranteed. “City Lights.” Having declared that he considers the talking picture an inferior medium of screen entertainment to the silent motion picture production, Charlie Chaplin backs his opinion with the presentation of “City Lights,” a romantic comedy photo-play to be shown at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday next, which is synchronised with music and sound effects. At no time is the human voice heard in “City Lights.” It is the comedianproducer’s contention that dialogue limits the field of expression and being primarily a pantomime artist, he regards silence as the best medium for him and the character ho portrays. Chaplin adds that he is not being prejudiced in the stand he has taken but that he is merely carrying on in what he believes a superior art form. “City Lights” is heralded as Chaplin’s supreme effort. Of considerable significance are the facts that reveal that Chaplin expended 1,500,000 dollars of his own money and close to three years of his time in the making of this photoplay. From sources close to Chaplin it is learned that the comedian’s enthusiasm over “City Lights” is greater than Jit has ever before evidenced. It is believed that this production will pave the way for more non-dialogue pictures and start renewed activity in studios as well as in theatres. Chaplin’s film is the first of any importance to come out of Hollywood in close to three years in silent form. All through the making of “City Lights” Chaplin has been sul merged by correspondence from every portion of the world lauding him for his stand against talking pictures. From individuals and organisations repr senting the deaf, the comedian has had several hundred thousand letters alone, praising him for his loyalty' to pantomime. WELCOME WEEK EARLY SETTLERS’ CELEBRATION Appearing in our advertising columns is an invitation from the committee of “Welcome Week” to all persons of 60 years of age and over who resided in the district prior to 1890. The early' pioneers arc asked to notify' the secretary' of their intention to be present. Arrangements have been made for them to assemble at 1 pm. on Thursday-, Juno 25, in the lounges of oster’s and Spriggens’ Hotels, and the building next the Bank of New Zealand which has been placed at the disposal of the committee by the National Mutual Life Association. From these assembly' points, the guests will bo motored by members of the Wanganui Automobile Association to the Winter Show Grounds when the Mayoress (Mrs N. G. Armstrong) and the wives of the CityCouncillors will entertain them to afternoon tea. Musical and other items have been arranged, and the re-union of the

early' settlers of the Wanganui, district should bo a great feature of * ‘ \Vclcome Week. ’’ Included in the programme which has been prepared for “Welcome Week’s” festivities, will bo “Miss Wanganui’s” Bachelor Garden Party, which is to be held at the Winter Show Grounds on Saturday, June 27. In addition to the usual attractions of the show, the ladies’ committee is organising competitions of all kinds, and entries are invited from teams to enter the tug-of-war competition. The secretary of “Welcome Week” (Mr W. Hallam) would be pleased to hear from anyone who could organise a pierrot party for street entertainments for each night of Welcome Week. Ihe committee has arranged , for a motor truck to be used for this* I purpose.