AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

CHARLES DICKENS’ “A CHRISTMAS CAROL.” Modern Now Zealanders for the most part have never seen Christinas celebrated as it is now being celebrated at the Regent Theatre. Showing there is the picturisation of Charles Dickens’ immortal Yuletide classic, “A Christmas Carol." Following the original story to the letter, the tale ol' old London, of Christmas, and the regeneration of the miser Scrooge through the spirit of the holiday has been directed deftly by Edwin L. Marin. Reginald Owen reaps laurels as Scrooge, and Terry Kilburn. English boy discovery of “Lord Jeff," Ls wistfully appealing as the crippled Tiny Tim. The story, which the world knows, tells of the miser, with never a kind deed to his credit, the ghost of whose partner, together with three Christmas Spirits, show him his own youth, the Christmas joys of the present, and the dark future he faces unless he changes. The regenerated man spreads happiness from then on, to find happiness for himself for the first time. Owen]s performance is as much .in the spirit of the story as his amazing makeup which transforms him into the original illustration of the character. The Cratchits, a lovable pair, are played by Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, whe celebrate Christmas with their brood of children. Marley’s ghost is played ' effectively by Leo G. Carroll. Barry Mackay as Scrooge’s nephew, and Lynne Carver as his sweetheart, are the romantic leads. Lionel Braham, Ann Rutherford, D’Arcy Corrigan and Ronald. Sinclair are perfectly cast. Settings and costumes are authentic to the last degree. Beautiful photography and a musical score that includes the oldtime carols add to the charm of the picture. An excellent associate progiamme .ncludes “One Against The World," M.G.M. Miniature; ‘The Book Worm,” a delightful colour cartoon; and the latest news-reels.