REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 218, 14 September 1934, Page 9

REGENT THEATRE

i “THE COUNTESS OF MONTE CRISTO.” J • f ■ Only a few years ago a little New 11 York chorus girl perpetrated one of the 1 most sensational hoaxes on no less , [ astute a personage than Cecil B. De - Mille, famous producer and director. 1 The sudden appearance in the film volj only of “Countess” Sonia Karloff, re- , cently arrived from Russia, created - something of a sensation among the ' film people. Having met De Mille, the 5 “Countess” had no difficulty selling , herself as the real article and being ; quite a beautiful girl found herself in : possession of a three-year contract I signed by De Mille, which guaranteed to make a star of her. A reception ' was being held for De Mille’s new 1 “find” at an exclusive Hollywood 5 hotel when Lina Basquette walked in to greet the guest of honour, whom she recognised as Jean Williams. And that 1 was the fade-out cue for little Miss ’ Williams, former sister in the chorus with Miss Basquette, who spent tireless effort and time to perfect her role and would have perhaps succeeded had not fate stepped in at the wrong moment. “The Countess of Monte Cristo,” Universal’s vivacious continental drama, now at the Regent Theatre is a highly ! interesting and absorbing entertainment. j “The Return of Bulldog Drummond” | Accomplished acting and skilful i direction make “The Return of Bulli dog Drummond,” which comes to-mor-row to the Regent Theatre, one of the most successful British film melodramas * yet presented. From beginning to end I ' the film moves briskly, without unncces- [ sary digression and tho climax is ■ reached in a desperate battle between ' j Drummond and his unscrupulous enemy, l Carl Petersen. The story resolves itj self into a dramatic battle of wits be- : t ween the pair and the dangers eni countered keep the audience in breathless suspense. All the characters of “Sapper’s” well-known novel are finely drawn and the atmosphere of the book has been skilfully reproduced. A welcome acquaintance is renewed with ; Drummond’s foolhardy gang, and I Claude Allister as the nonchalant Algy I Longworth provides some excellent j comedy touches. There is a particu- ' larly line supporting programme.