REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“THE SHINING HOUR.” Joan Crawford returns to the screen as a talented dancer in her new picture, “The Shining Hour,” which will be shown tonight. The picture is an adaptation of the New York stage success by Keith Winter. Appearing with Miss Crawford are Margaret Sullavan, Robert Young, Melvyn Douglas, and Fay Bainter. The story is an appealing combination of Broadway gaiety, with the lights and music, contrasting with the tranquility of a midwestern farm. Briefly, it is the account of a charming dancer who marries a grave young farm expert for security and peace rather than for love. When he takes her into the cold heart of his Kansas family, her difficulties begin. A younger brother falls in love with her and she is attracted to him. His wife, a courageous and unselfish girl, is heartbroken. A dour spinster sister is bitter and unrelenting. In this predicament, the dancer is helplessly trapped as the play of human emotions reveals the good and bad in all of them, herself included. Miss Crawford plays a superb role as Olivia Reily, the dancer. Margaret Sullavan is remarkably fine the sister-in-law, and Robert Young, as her young husband, presents his usual outstanding performance. Melvyn Douglas gives a strong characterisation of the role of the bewildered bridegroom, and Fay Bainter brings her wealth of stage artistry to the part of Hannah, the spinster sister. The story ends on a happy note, following spectacular scenec of a fire which results in neartragedy. In her blind rage, Hannah fires the new home built for the newlyweds. Judy, the sister-in-law, rushes into the burning building, deliberately intending to leave the way clear for her husband and the dancer. But Olivia goes after her. The shock of incident brings them all to their senses, and with that comes realisation. Both couples are reunited, and Hannah’s bitterness is destroyed by the searing fire ot complete understanding.