NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1029, 21 July 1930, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“CONDEMNED” Providing more capital entertainment in every foot of Its entire length than any picture it has been our pleasure to view in a long, long time, “Condemned.”’, Ronald Colmans second all-talking picture, is drawing large audiences to tho New Regent Theatre. “Condemned!” is a notable contribution to the screen for numerous reasons. The first and principal reason is the fact that it represents Ronald Colman in the most colourful role ever to come his way. Felix, the- dapper, suave pickpocket of Paris, is the medium through which Colman attains the heights in his screen career. There is an endless succession of thrills and surprises unfolded in “Condemned!” certain to arouse any amuse-ment-goer’s enthusiasm. There is the capture of the artful French thief; his deportation to the famous French penal, colony, “Devil’s Island,” and his meeting with the magnificent Madame Vidal, whoso influences prompt him to amend his erring ways. A thrilling gaolbreak, tho great sacrifice of a hardened murderer for his buddy, the laughter and tears of a life behind prison bars all go to make a picture abounding in surprises, dramatic climaxes and lyric beauty. “Condemned!” brings to the screen tho famous Theatre Guild star, Dudley Diggers, whose impersonation of the cruel warden is In itself a masterpiece of pantomime and convincing characterisation. Miss Ann Harding, famous legitimate actress, is a revelation as Madame Vidal, about whom so much of the stirring action of the story revolves. She shows that she is equally at home in front of movie kleig lights as the theatre footlights. As to the talking of the players, there is little can be said, for they must be heard to be fully appreciated. The stage training of Miss Harding and Mr. Dlgges makes their performances a distinctly pleasurable sensation both to the eye and the ear. As for Ronald Colman, the promise he showed in his delightful vehicle, “Bulldog Drummond,” is more than realised in ono of the finest spoken performances to be seen on the talking screen. The Regent’s new programme also includes several entertaining talkie shorts.