NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 936, 1 April 1930, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“UNTAMED” THIS EVENING Moviegoers have another great treat in store for them from the M.G.M. group of stars this evening, when “Untamed” will be screened at the Regent Theatre with Joan Crawford making her all talkie debut in the starring role.

Miss Crawford reveals a caressingly feminine voice, and although her role requires the poor English of an ignorant jungle girl in the early stages, and has to survive several heated passages later on in the midst of glittering society, she is always perfectly distinct. Her large

army of admirers will get a great thrill out of hearing her fascinating , voice. v “Untamed” is based on the famous “Saturday Evening Post” ‘ story by C. E. Scroggins, and it would be hard to imagine a more suitable role than that of “Bingo,” its central feminine character, for the unrestrained element in Joan Crawford’s personality. At the same time, the popular star meets its strong dramatic requirements with positive brilliance. She is surrounded by a strong cast, and this gives even greater pleasure to those people who will be fortunate enough to see “Untamed.” The story centres around the discovery of oil in tropical South America by Bingo’s father, after years of sojourning there with his daughter. On the eve of success, the father is killed, however, and his brother and the latter’s bosom friend are appointed to negotiate the deeds, administer the' properly and take care of*Bingo. Follows great wealth for the three and a transfer of residence to civilisation. On the way to civilisation Bingo falls in love with the first white man she meets—and stays in love with him. Her uncle does his utmost to prevent the affair from developing on account of the young man having neither money nor prospects. Indeed, being deeply conscious of his position, the young man readily agrees to stay away from Bingo even after the ship’s arrival in port for 12 long months. But the transition from jungle drama to society’s glitter, youth, gay parties, handsome men, city thrills, etc., does not deter Bingo from fighting for her man even to the gates of death, and the way this romance is unfolded makes an excellent story. This evening’s new programme will also include a number of specially selected short talkie featurettes.