AMUSEMENTS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 July 1935, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

COSY THEATRE. “BRITISH AGENT.” “British. Agent,” which is to be shown again at the Cos.y Theatre to-night, is a powerful love drama starring Leslie Howard) and Kay Francis. It is inspired by R. H. Bruce Lockhart’s stirring novel of the Russian Revolution and the conflict of a man and woman’s undying love for each other with their love for their separate countries. In the supporting cast are William Gargan, Philip Reed, Irving Picliel, Walter Byron, Ivan Simpson and many other talented players. Michael Curtiz directed the picture from the screen play by Laird Doyle. The picture deals with events in which Mr Bruce Lockhart played his part as British Agent in Russia in the hectic early days of the Bolshevik revolution. Famous statesmen, diplomats and war lords who played an important part in shaping world events will be easily recognised in the picture. One of the most colourful sets is a famous Gypsy Trakteer, or Inn, on the outskirts of Petrograd. In this scene, the night life of Russia’s metropolis is shown in all its gaiety and abandon. A real Balalaika orchestra is used and the famous Russian Gypsy drinking song, the Charouchka, is sung. A new vocal star makes her bow to pictures in this scene. She is a Moscow-born girl, Marina Schubert, whose mother was the famous European diva, Nina Koshetz. Seats may bo reserved at Perry’s, ’phone 2496. THE REGENT. “MRS. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH.”

That classic of humble life “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, ’ ’ provides splendid material for a talking picture play and the Paramount picture which is to be shown again at the Regent Theatre to-night well deserves the popularity with which it is being received. Many are familiar with the famous story by Alice Ilegan Rice in its happy blend of quaint characterisation, unsinkable philosophy, spontaneous humour, and direct and, unstudied appeal to human sympathy. The part of Mrs Wiggs is taken by Pauline Lord, a noted American stage actress who makes her moving picture -debut in this production. W. C. Fields is featured as Mr Stubbins and Zasu Pitts as Miss Hazy. The parts of the famous “Wiggs brood” are taken by talented Hollywood child players, including Carmencita Johnson as Asia Wiggs. The setting of the film is a beginning of the century American shanty town, the “cabbage patch” where brave but impoverished people share each other’s joys and sorrows in the struggle for existence. Picturing a lively play of incidents grave and gay, the film culminates in the reappearance of Mr Wiggs, who some five years before had wandered into parts unknown. _ At the moment of his Teturn, the family is in desperate trouble over being threatened with ejectment from its humble home. The appearance of Mr Wiggs does not suggest financial affluence, but a search of his pockets, conducted by Mrs

Wiggs, reveals just the sum of twentyfive dollars needed to satisfy the mortgagee. A pleasant love story gives added interest to the picture. Seats mu' 7, be reserved at Perry’s, ’phone 2496.