REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 82, 7 April 1934, Page 11

REGENT THEATRE

“MIDNIGHT CLUB.’’ Based on the story by E. Phillips Oppenheim, “Midnight Club,” the principal film, which begins a season at the Regent Theatre to-day is an absorbing talc embracing the best elements of detective fiction. Set in the background of the glamour and glitter of the night life of London, the story fulfils two essentials necessary for the success of a screen play of its type. It is cast almost to perfection and its plot is plausible. “Midnight Club” presents yet another opportunity for finished acting by Clive Brook, who as the master mind of a team of jewel thieves operating in high society, baffles Scotland Yard. A beautiful young girl, played by Helen Vinson, is a willing accomplice, she having joined the gang in order to satisfy a longing for excitement. Alan Mowbray and Ferdinand Gottschalk are cast as other members of the party. By becoming the owners of a night, club they evolve a remarkable alibi which proves embarrassing to the commissioner of police, a role admirably portrayed by Sir Guy Standing. An American detective, George. Raft, is called in by the C.I.D. and, becoming a member of the gang, is instrumental in exposing its daring methods. Alison Skipworth, as a wealthy dowager, provides many amusing situations. Raft plays as the detective —a tough character from New York’s East Side. The story moves from the supper club which the gang uses as a “blind” for its operations, to the salons where lords and ladies foregather, and from there to the haunts of the underworld. Raft’s plans at first, go exactly as ho has visualised them. After he demonstrates to the members of the ring that he is as skilled a crook as they are, they welcome him to their midst. Only a few weeks with them, he thinks, will bo necessary to got the necessary evidence. But then he realises he has fallen in love with Miss Vinson. The events that follow lead the picture to a startling climax. To add to the enjoyment of the patrons of the Regent, the management lias engaged “The Three Jordans,” exponents of the famous “Lousiana Tap” to give an exhibition on the stage. There will be a delightful song scene, “When Yuba Plays the Rumba Down in Cuba,” and the “Regent Players” will present overtiure, entr’acte and incidental music. At 10.30 a.m. a matinee will be held when “The Vanishing Frontier” will he screened, together with a serial and a Mouse cartoon. There will be prizes for lucky seats.