REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 305, 30 December 1935, Page 7

REGENT THEATRE

“THE DARK ANGEL.’’ “The Dark Angef,” now showing at the Regent Theatre, is an intensely moving and sincere picture, sensitively directed in some of the finest acting yet seen in Wanganui. The story tells of the hesitation of a war-blinded man to saddle his helplessness on the girl he loves; his pretence of death and, his eventual reunion with .the girl. The plot is not new and depends for its success entirely on how far the players make their parts live, and how far they succeed in enlisting the sympathy of the audience. It is acted with such naturalness that it becomes one oP the most moving of recent screen plays. Acting honours are shared by Merle Oberon, Fredric March and Herbert Marshall. After witnessing Merle Oberon’s performance it is easy to understand why she has been judged one of the first actresses of the screen. Her beauty had been somewhat marred in recent films by make-up which rendered her looks more Oriental than British, and it is a blessing to see what an attractive actress she really is. In “The Dark Angel” she has an animation which adds greatly to her charm, while her emotional acting is of a high standard. Frederic March gives a very fine study of the afflicted war hero, ..while Herbert Marshall fills a difficult role with delightful restraint. The story has been brilliantly handled by Sidney Franklin, whose direction always prevents the film from descending into maudlin sentimentality. • The photography is excellent, and the scenes of the English countryside are reproduced wifh real beauty. An entertaining supporting pro-gramme includes “Mickey’s Garden,” a Walt Disney cartoon in colour, which is a gem of its kind. There is also an interesting Cinesourid Review and an organlogue in which some delightful singing is heard. Midnight Matinee. Glancing at the Regent advertisement in to-day's issue it is apparent that a gay carnival spirit will be in evidence at their huge midnight matinee which is scheduled to commence at 10.30 p.m. to-morrow. Revelry at midnight will comprise a huge community sing with “Auld Lang Syne.” Free squeakers and carnival hats for all will be issued as they enter the theatre. A special stage attraction at this session is “The Robelmas” celebrated -Continental artists from American circuits. The Regent Orchestra plays from 7.30 each evening. ‘ ‘Hopalong Cassidy. ’ ’ A door to a freer life where men are men and nature reigns in state i 3 opened in the film “Hopalong Cassidy,” which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre at the midnight matinee to-morrow. The picture is adapted from the novel of the same name, probably ths most popular of Clarence E. Mulford’s tales. The setting is a restful change from that of so many indoor scenes, the open plains appearing throughout the film. The music and the freedom of the life of the men of the outdoors are caught and are faithfully reproduced in the film. The characters in the book, Hopalong Cassidy, Red Connors, Buck Peters, Johnny Nelson and Uncle Ben are presented with all the force of their original personality by William Boyd, Jimmy Allison and others, while Paula Stone supplies the feminine touch. The dialogue is well treated, preserving the quaint humour and the original flavour of the sons of the saddle, and should provoke many a laugh. The programme is a well-balanced one and is most suitable for the holiday season.