REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 7

REGENT THEATRE

•A SOUTHERN MAID” To laugh, to smile, to catch the infectious gaiety —sometimes without smiles or laught-er—to move forward always and easily with the swing and rhythm of a delightful story and lilting alluring music, to enjoy now and then a beauty not grotesque, to be pleasantly shocked on occasion—this is the acme of entertainment, and this is what the Regent Theatre offers in “A Southern Maid,” the British Empire Films’ production which relies on nothing but its own inherent charm and attraction lor the widespread appeal it makes. Colourful spectacle, haunting melody and tuneful song numbers, sparkling, rippling comedy and tender romance—these are only some of the delights which Bebe Daniels and a talented supporting cast offer in this outstanding film. Side by side with Bebe Daniels, whoso public is numbered in tens of thousands, is to be found one of the most popular figures on the London stage. Clifford Mollison, the idol of thousands of theatre-goers in Loudon, who introduces himself to the picture public in one of the most delightful comedy romances that have yet found their way on to the local screen. Lupino Lane, 'that prince of clowns, also finds a part in the cast, and other names that will excite general expectation are Harry Welchman, Hal Gordon. Morris Harvey, Amy Veness, and Nancy Brown. “A Southern Maid" is by no means one of the usual rut of song and dance shows. Around an absorbingtale has been erected a film of rare entertainment value which combines musical eharm and quality with penetrating humour and a nor, inconsiderable flavour of genuine drama. They are a delightful crowd the players wjio make up the characters of the tale, and in the cast that has been assembled the producers have secured some exceptionally fine voices which give full expression

to the highly acceptable lyrics which the film contains. In the direction of the film a master hand has been given free rein, and audiences will find in “A Southern Maid" innumerable little touches of artistry in production which make the film something outstandingly unusual. “Mystery of Mr. X." For three mc-nths prior to tne beginning of production on thc motion picture, “Mystery of Air. X," which, comes on Saturday to thc Regent Theatre, communications arc said to have flown between Scotland Yard and the Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr studios. Photographs, secret records, and histories were being forwarded, rurnishing authentic data for the new film. Robert Montgomery is starred, and Elizabeth Allan, the beautiful EngUsn actress, plays the feminine lead. Featured players include Lewis Stone, Ralph Forbes, Henry Stephenson, Forrester Harvey, Ivan Simpson, Leonard Mudle, Alec. B. Francis, and Charles Trwni. Many scenes are laid inside Scotland Yard Settings have been duplicated exactly from photographs, and specifications furnished.