REGENT THEATRE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 61, 4 December 1937, Page 11

REGENT THEATRE

■ i ' S ARATOGA. ' * Apart from any other consideration, the appearance of "Saratoga" at the Regent Theatre to-night will be bound to make that theatre the Mecea for all lovers of the late Jean Harlow, in that the "picturo gives her last reeorded appearance in the world of romance to which she had given so much distinction through the medium of her performances with Clarlc Gable in "China Seas," "Hold Your Man," "Wife versus Secretary" and other stories of that lcind. It is common knowledge that the lovely aetress was sticken with fatal illness after having played a portion of the picture, and tliat her role was completed by an under-study. The public is aware that the part has been " doubled" in some of the scenes, but so cleverly has this change been 'handled that the most critical will have their doubts about just where the "double" comes in. Combined with a first-elass supporting programme, "Sar,atoga', affords entertainment which does not in any way disappoint, for it maintains the story interest right to the last moment, providiug drama, comedy and raee thrill in the most attractive of settings. The intrigues of lovely women and virile men, with highly exeiting gambles at stake and a wealth of laughable incidents, gradually work up to an intensely ti rilling finale, with Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Una Merkel and Erank Harvey featured in striking portrayals. It is essentially a sporting romance of lively action. "Saratoga" telfs the story of the daughter of a rich horse owner and a bookmaker, her f ather's f riend, whom she hates and fights, then loves. Intrigues "over "ringing" bets, plot and counterplot behind the scenes in the paddbek, - and finally, the sensational racing climax worked out on a new dramatic twist, keep the picture paeke'd. with action. Against this action the romantic story is developed.