REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 30 November 1935, Page 11

REGENT THEATRE

“BRIGHT LIGHTS.” Supported by an excellent cast, Jo 3 E. Brown scores the biggest success at his career in “Bright Lights,” now screening at the Regent Theatre. Not only does he frolic as usual through a series of comical situations, but he also sings, dances, mimics and performs remarkable feats. He is a complete vaudeville entertainment in himself He shows himself to be a clever acrobat, and particularly amusing are his antics when he becomes involved in an act by the Maxellos, one of the greatest troupes of tumblers in the world. Their act alone is a revelation, and the addition of comedy situations makes it something out of the ordinary. The part of the neglected wife is i played by Ann Dvorak with much I charm, and Patricia Ellis as the heiress | gives a bright performance. There are j several new songs in the picture, and Joe E. Brown brings many a laugh with his singing of “She Was an Acrobat’s Daughter,” “You’re an Eyeful of Heaven.” and “Toddling Along With You” are also entertaining. The picture is a genuine comedy, into which exciting action, romance and just a little pathos have been intro-du<-ed. Other artists appearing are William Gargan and Joseph Cawthorn. Joe Brown has been blessed by Nature with a face that makes one want to laugh; indeed it is as “ Funny Face” that he is known in the theatre world, in which, after having done the I “smalls” with his wife (Ann Dvorak) l as partner he sky-rockets to success on i Broadway, teamed up with a madcap ’heiress and adventuress (Patricia , Ellis). This girl who, at the wish of !the producer (William Gargan). has jsucceeded in supplanting the comedian’s I' wife in their act, very nearly is responsible, through his foolishness, in causing a more serious break between him jand his wife. But all ends happily. , At times Joe Brown makes the dialogue I fairly crackle. His story of the mouse which one night had fallen into a barrel of whisky and had an appointment to meet the cat which saved its : life at 9 o’clock the next morning is ■ a sheer delight. A generous first half : comprising five shorts, which provide ■ splendid variety, completes a capital ‘ bill. ’