REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 34, 10 February 1937, Page 9

REGENT THEATRE

“THE GARDEN OF ALLAH." The full beauty of technicolour Is seen in the lavish talkie remake ot what was one of the most famous silent films, "The Garden of Allah," adopted from the famous Robert Hichens’ novel. This new version of the film is screening at the Regent Theatre. Marlene Dietrich plays the coveted role of Domini Enfilden, the sorrow-laden beauty who goes into the depths of the endless desert in search of happiness—and unexpectedly finds both immeasurable joy and an inevitable parting. It is a beautiful tale in itself, and the wonderful background —regarded by many as perhaps the world's most romantic—is magnificently illustrated by the new medium of colour. This colour is so perfected that it is only in the opening scenes that the viewer is conscious of it. And when he walks out of the cinema, indeed, for days afterwards, he begins to appreciate and assimilate the full beauty and appeal of the production. That, after all, is the hallmark of any masterpiece. Dietrich has the French newcomer to Hollywood, Charles Boyer, as her mysterious desert lover. C. Aubrey Smith, with the profile or classic architecture, has a splendid character part as a priest, while Basil Rathbone and Joseph Schilkraut. have other unforgetable parts. One of tne film’s most spectacular moments is provided by Tilly Losch, the famous dancer.

“The Captain’s Kid.” A mischievous little girl with a vivid imagination, a lovable old liar and a crotchety spinster get into a sea of trouble that makes for much hilarity in the First National comedy drama, “The Captain’s Kid,” which comes to the Regent Theatre on Saturday. “The Captain’s Kid” is a rollicking comedy romance with song, although there are many thrills and touches of pathos. There is a talented cast, which besides May Robson, Sybil Jason and Guy Kibbee, includes Jane Bryan, Fred Lawrence, Dick Purcell, Mary Treen and Gus Shy.