NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 938, 3 April 1930, Page 17

NEW REGENT

“UNTAMED” ! Great dramatic strength is given “Untamed,” the all-talking picture now 1 !at the Regent Theatre, because of the ] 1 contrast between the first locale in the , \ tropical jungles and the later scenes c in the centre of fashionable New York, i Joan f prawford lias the strongest and most effective role yet given her as , “Bingo” Bowling, the daughter of an oil prospector who is eighteen before « she leaves the jungles for civilisation, j It is her first sensational all-talking - picture. One sympathises at all times with this girl’s bewilderment, over modern conventions. She falls in love at first 1 sight with the first white young man she sees on a northbound ship, and can’t understand why he or her guardians should worry because she is rich and the boy hasn’t a cent. 1 This situation, aided by the heavyhanded methods of gruff old Ben Mur- ; chison her guardian, rushes on, gather- , ing dramatic steam until the explosion ; | finally occurs -with almost tragic re- < I suits. „ ! It is a very well handled story of the j “modern youth” variety. Joan Craw- ! ford is splendid, and speaks with a : most fascinating voice. She is supported excellently by Robert Montgomery in the male lead. Ernest Torrence as “Murchison” is his usual capable self, and Holmes Herbert as “Pressley” lends a delightful touch of sure and easy acting. Gwen Lee is more than capable as “Marge,” and the* husky Bon Terry is i i great in a stirring ballroom fight with Robert Montgomery. He ought to be good, for they say this fine looking youngster was light-heavy-weight champion of England in 1920. Eddie Nugent is corking as “Paul.” , | Jack Conway, the director, is, of I course an acknowledged expert with I photoplavs of the “wild youth” sort. , He came right from the direction of ; “Our Modern Maidens” to do this latest Joan Crawford starring vehicle. The remainder of the programme inI eludes a talking comedy, “Great Gobs,” I selections by “Ukulele Ike,” and by ! Irving Aaronson's “Commanders,” and ! the latest edition of Hearst’s Metrotone j News. CRYSTAL PALACE, MOUNT EDEN ‘The Mysterious Br. Fu Manchu,” i an exceptionally exciting talkie mystery thriller, continues to be presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden Road. The story revolves around i the revenge of a Chinese scholar whose j son and heir was killed by British troops, and who planned to murder British officers as recompense. War- . ner Oland gives a wonderful performance in the leading role, and is capably ’ supported b3 r O. P. Heggie. "William , Austin, Jean Arthur and Neil Hamilton. Good supports are also shown. ‘ Marjorie White has been assigned ,to the leading role in “The Dollar ! Princess,” on which she will begin work when she completes the feminine | lead in “Happy Bays.”