REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 January 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“VARSITY SHOW.” “Varsity Show,” a musical comedy along altogether new lines, and possessed of a sparkling cast, will be finally shown at the Regent tonight. A star individual —Dick Powell —and a star organisation—Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians—are the top-liners in this melodious, laughable, fast-paced tale of college life as the moviemakers see it —and as, doubtless, all college boys and girls wish it were. It is the tale of how the undergraduates of a little fresh-water educational institution try to put on a show under the supervision of a dignified and gloomy professor, only to realise that he's ruining it with his highbrow notions. Then they go to the city and dig up Dick Powell, a graduate, who by now is a successful Broadway producer, and induce him to come back to school and supervise a real show.

“THE COUNT OF MONTE CHRISTO”

The story of "The Count of Monte Cristo” might almost be said to be universally known, and all who have read the story of Alexandre Dumas with pleasure will find even greater pleasure in the story as it will be presented on the screen of the Regent on Saturday. The picture is a magnificent production and those playing in the title roles have caught the spirit of Dumas's story in a way that makes the adventures of the young French sailor and his sweetheart live. Dumas wove many characters into his story, and they are all included in the picture, even io those whom Dumas kept in the background, Napoleon and Louis XVIII. The producer has avoided heaviness by making use of his characters to provide a lighter touch here and there. The excellent acting does more than tell the story; it brings the adventures of Edmund Dante to life and to a high standard of entertainment. The supporting features are interesting.