REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 31 December 1935, Page 9

REGENT THEATRE

“THE DARK ANGEL.” The Tasmanian-born actress Merle Oberon rise© to nothing short of a triumph in “The Dark Angul,” thu magnificent production' being presented finally to night at the Regent Theatre. The honours are shared with Miss Oberon by such distinguished artists as Fredric March, Herbert Marshall and Samuel Goldwyn, Yvho has been hailed as a genius among producers. The film has been delicately handled oy the director, Sidney Franklin. There is an entertaining supporting programme. ‘ ‘Hopalong Cassidy. ’ ’ There are some film studios which seem to think that a western picture does not need a<s much care as is lavished on • other types of drama. Paramount is nc-t one of them. This company’s stories of the wide-open spaces are always well presented, well acted, and excellently photographed against the fine scenic backgrounds. “Hopalong Cassidy,” the film version of Clarence E. Mulford’s famous boc-k, which will start atXo-night’s midnight, matinee at the Regent Theatre, measures right up to Paramount’s usual standard in thie respect; while in I other ways it is well above the average western. In tire first place it has the advantage of bringing to life one ’of the favourite characters of this most popular type of fiction; again, it avoids many of the usual wearisome melodramatic sequences in favour of developing interest in the strong plot and the splendid character drawing of Clarence Mulford; and thirdly, it has the benefit of a line and vigorous performance Dy William Bc-yd in the title role. He brings an entirely new typv of two-gun hero to the screen, and one who, it is hoped, will be seen again soon in other stories by the came author. The plot of “Hopalong Cassidy” revolves around the adventures of three cowboy comrades, William Boyd, Jimmy Ellison and Frank McGlynn, junr. Inseparable pals, quick on the trigger, they spend their time riding the range looking for trauble, and generally finding it. Sensational riding, dangerous cliff climbing, dynamoting, and desperate gun battles are among the thrills in the picture, and delightfully spontaneous humour comes from the performance of George Hayes as a veteran cowboy.