REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“THE CROWD ROARS." The central character of “The Crowd Roars,” starring Robert Taylor, with Edward Arnold, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Jane Wyman, which commences at the Regent Theatre tonight, is a composite character, combining the characteristics of many champions, and enacting incidents in the careers of others. He is credited with a “lucky punch,” with which he knocks opponents out, after being well behind on points. His-famous namesake, Al McCoy, won the middleweight title of the world from George Chip, with what was universally believed to be a very lucky punch, a wild right swing to the jaw. Maureen O’Sullivan once more shows herself the ideal romantic foil, sincere, appealing, and forthright. And for competition there is her school chum, Jane Wyman, admirable as the blonde rival for Taylor’s affections. If anyone could “steal” the picture from Taylor, which is well-nigh impossible, it would be Frank Morgan as his father. As Brian McCoy, Morgan is superb not only in his comedy, but in his drrynatic delineation of all the character’s potentialities. It is an acting gem. Edward Arnold as the big-shot gambler who pulls the behind-the-arena strings, William Gargan in a memorable role as Johnny Martin, ex-light-heavyweight champion, who is killed by his former pupil, Taylor, in a come-back bout, Isabel Jewel as Gargan’s wife. Lionel Stander, typical as “Happy,” Taylor’s trainer, Nat Pendleton as Arnold's racketeering rival, and young Gene Reynolds, outstanding as Tommy McCoy as a boy, vie so closely for supporting honours that a host of other character players can but follow in their footsteps. The featurettes include, “Jaipur—The Pink City” (a Fitzpatrick Traveltalk); “Passing Parade No. 1” (the first of a series of interesting subjects); “Hot on Ice” (an extremely entertaining “Pete Smith” specialty, dealing with the fastest sport in the world —ice hockey), and the latest newsreels. •