REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“IF I WERE KING.” One of the greatest pictures ever shown in Masterton and which drew a crowded house at the Regent Theatre on Saturday was “If I Were King.” It was outstanding for its strong theme and brilliant acting. There was not a dull moment in the picture which contained thrilling scenes in quick succession with a beautiful love story running through it. The acting was of a very high standard and while calling in many cases for an impressive presentation was not overdone in any respect. It was a picture which held the audience spellbound and the quick sequence of outstanding events kept the audience in a continual state of anticipation. It was a presentation which no patron of good pictures should miss seeing. Roland Colman gave a most striking performance as Francois Villon. He was the bold character in a most romantic role. The vividness of his magnificent work must be seen to be realised' to the full. Another decidedly good piece of acting was that of Frances Dee whose effort marked her for a particularly brilliant actress. In the character of King Louis of France, Basil Rathbone was particularly well placed and he was the eccentric and cynical monarch to the letter. Another excellent performance was that of Ellen Drew. The supporting characters are well sustained.

The supports were of outstanding merit and included “Moments of Charm,” a musical classic in glorious technicolour, featuring Phil Spitalny and his all-girl orchestra; a Popeye cartoon entitled “Goonland;” a Paramount Pictorial, with items of charm and interest, and the latest Newsreels.