RECENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 March 1939, Page 2

RECENT THEATRE

LAUREL AND HARDY. One of the liveliest and funniest bits of film entertainment, “Blockheads,’’ starring the ever-popular Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, will be seen tonight at the Regent Theatre. In this new comedy the comedians revert to their former formula —an abundance of new gags, familiar mannerisms, and ludicrous situations. Their side-split-ting antics are not deterred’ by spectacular backgrounds or musical interludes. They have free scope for the kind of. humour their fans expect. Stan is a front-page newspaper celebrity in “Blockheads,” not through his own initiative but through one of the funniest introductions that the screen has reflected. Although he tells Hardy that he is not so dumb as he used to be, fortunately his actions belie his words. Hardy is the successful business man, taking vast prjde in his swank apartment and in the housekeeping capabilities of his wife. The introduction of Stan, although he is momentarily the nation’s hero, into these surroundings precipitates a merry-go-round that spins dizzily until the final fade-outj which is a surprise finish. The supporting cast, small but of stellar calibre, plays well into the hands of Laurel and Hardy. Patricia Ellis exhibits an unsuspected flair for comedy. As the wife of the big-game hunter, living across the hall from the Hardy’s apartment, she flits in and out of the picture with grace and charm. Minna Gombell, cast as Hardy’s shrewish wife, exacts every bit of humour from the role. The supporting programme is of such excellent quality as to deserve special mention —an interesting newsreel, a Crime does , not Pay film, “Nastradamus,” a Cary Wilson Historical Mystery, “Story of Dr. Caruer,” a biography, “Cairo, City of Contrast,” a Fitzpatrick traveltalk and a really entertaining cartoon, “The Winning Ticket.”