REGENT’S DOUBLE BILL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 16 (Supplement)

REGENT’S DOUBLE BILL

TRAVELS OF DOUG. FAIRBANKS. EXCITING “FACE AT THE WINDOW ” A novel and interesting means of seeing many of the wonders of the world is provided by the film “Around the World in 80 Minutes,” which will open a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Douglas Fairbanks is the principal and his picture enables the audience to sec part of the unsuspected attractions of foreign lands with himself as guide, philosopher and jester. In reviewing the production, an overseas critic says: “Making Hollywood his starting point. Doug, dashes his merry way through China, Japan, Inuia, Siam, Hawaii and the Philippines. He sees , world wonders, strange customs, and

meets all manner of weird and tfonj derful people. It is obvious that he is having a great time, and is determined that you shall share it with him. Fantasy is mixed with fact, especially when Doug, rounds off the fun by utilising the magic carpet from his own Oriental phantasy, ‘The Thief of Bagdad,’ to carry him back to Mary, lie is never dull. The more boisterous jokes are followed bv flashes of wit and satirical touches.” A well sustained plot of bank robberies in Paris by an underworld ring, makes “The Face at the Windoy,” also on the current programme at the Regent Theatre, an exciting film. The development of the story achieves •genuine interest, and effective ultimate surprise in the identity of the head of the ring. Acceptable light comedy r<»lief is provided by Claude Hulbert ■ 'brother of Jack) as Peter Pomeroy, j the detective ’s assistant. Capable por- | trayals by the cast generally, good setI tings, photography and recording onI hance the interest of this British RK9 Radio picture. The story concerns the efforts of Paul Lc Gros, famous detective, to discover the killers of bank night-watchmen. After one such murder, most people believe the murderer is Lucien Cortier between whom and the bank manager’s daughter is an apparently hopeless love affair; but the audience knows better (or thinks it docs) to the effect that the culprit is Cortier’s unsuccessful rival in love, the rather sinister Count Fournal. Journal accuses Cortier of being the mysterious robber and shoots him in a duel. A false message hires Marie De Brisson (daughter of the banker) to Fournal’s underworld haunt. She is rescued, however, by Paul and Peter, and finally, Paul, by a ruse, traps the real criminal in a scene that has grent tensity and provides that surprise that is the exciting and satisfactory climax. Marie is played by Isla Bevan who makes a very attractive heroine. The rest of the cast is made up of capable actors from stage and screen, including Raymond Massey and A. Bromley Davenport. With a cast of many prominent players, including Jack Oakie, Thomas k Meighan, Marian Nixon and William I Collier, “Madison Square Garden,” to be screened at the Regent on Wednesday next, is a vivid story of the exciting incidents that take place, in the great sporting centre. Many of the old-time sports favourites make an appearance, and one secs such well-known figures as Jack Johnson, Spike Robinson, Torn Sharkey and Tammany Young as characters in the story. Marian Nixon takes the part of a telegraph operator, and Jack Oakie playa the role of a fighter, Eddie Burke, who falls in love with Bee, the telegraph The initial presentation will be given at the Regent Theatre next Saturday of the gripping Paramount drama . “The Night of June 13.” It should enjoy a particularly successful season. Clive Brook, of “Shanghai Express” and “24 Hours,” enacts tne major 7 role in his usual polished manner, and he is capably supported by a cast of distinguished players. There are Lila Leo, Charlie Ruggles, Gene Raymond and Frances Dee. “The Night of June 13” reveals the loves, hatreds and jealousies of a group of people dwelling in a suburban street. It is a drama of every-day life. Clive Brook’s avting of a husband falsely accused of the murder of his wife, who committed suicide, is masterly and restrained, while Lila Lee is convincing as Trudie Morrow, who besmirches her character to secure the acquittal of the accused. Frank Tuttle, director, plays a small part in every picture he directs. See if you can. find him in Paramount’* “The Big Broadcast.” ¥ * » • Mary Boland established a screen record when she spoke 300 words without a halt into the oar of Charlie Ruggles for a scene in Paramount’s all-star production, “If I Had a Million.” Buster Crabbe, who appears in Paramount’s “King of the Jungle,” learned to swim from the natives of Hawaii, where he was raised. He now holds five world swimming records and earned thirty-five national championships during his acquatic career.