GENE GERRARD RETURNS TO REGENT

Evening Star, Issue 22144, 26 September 1935, Page 8

GENE GERRARD RETURNS TO REGENT

•IT’S A BET' UPROARIOUS COMEDY Gene Gorrai'd, who made such a wonderful impression on all who saw him in the uproarious farce, ‘My Wife’s Family,’ has the loading role in ‘lt’s a Bet,’ the rollicking British comedy which heads to-morrow’s new fare for the Regent. More polished, more amusing than ever, Gerrard leaps back into instant popularity in ‘ It’s a Bet.’ The story of a young journalist who loses his job for denouncing the inefficiency of the police force, and then proves his statements by disappearing for a whole month while the whole police force of Great Britain and the Press search for him, gives tire star ample opportunity of proving his ability as a comedian. Judy Kelly, the lovely Australian girl, plays the part of the fiancee, and the blonde Helen Chandler as Clare, the girl who befriends Rollo (Gene Gerrard) and whom he eventually falls in love with, is very charming. The thrills in the picture are fast and furious. In one sequence Rollo, pursued by crowds of citizens eager for his capture, has to dive off the end of the wharf. There is also a very realistic smash, where Rollo, to avoid a head-on collision with Clare’s car, has to drive up a steep bank and into a ditch.

Mickey Mouse has been well named the world’s playmate, for the ingenious little fellow has captured the imaginations of both children and grown-ups. On Saturday Mickey Mouse will celebrate his seventh birthday, and 15,000 theatres throughout the world are making it a big children’s day. In Dunedin the Regent will pay homage to Walt Disney’s top-liner, and for the occasion a huge birthday cake has been made for the benefit of the children attending this matinee. In addition to the Mickey Mouse cartoon and specially selected and appropriate subjects, some of Miss Lily Stevens’s clever pupils will present three entertaining stage acts. The main picture feature will be ‘ It’s a Bet,’ a picture approved for universal exhibition, and one which should be entertaining to both children and adults.