REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“HUCKLEBERRY FINN.”

Tonight at the Regent Theatre will be presented one of the masterpieces of fiction, “Huckleberry Finn.” Written by Mark Twain, the book has been for generations the favourite of boys and girls, and years have not lessened its popularity. In the picture many of the audience will undoubtedly pass through the scenes which as boys they revelled in when they read the colourful narrative by America’s great author. In the hands of Mickey Rooney there was presented the ideal “Huck,” full of mischief, and lovable and ever a staunch friend; a boy made more impressive as a screen character by a wonderful young actor. It is a picture that cinema patrons will long remember for its sterling presentation both as a story and as an example of high class acting. The story relates to Huckleberry Finn (son of “Pap” Finn, a drunken sot) who is cared for by the Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson, who love the boy. Jim, a slave Owned by the widow, is a good friend of Huck’s. Huck plays hookey from 1 school, smokes a pipe secretly, has his own quaint philosophy. The father of the boy, knowing that the widow loves Huck, demands 800 dollars of her, threatening otherwise to take him away Huck decides to run away to prevent this sacrifice on her part. There: is plenty of excitement and romance in the remainder of the picture. Rex Ingram gives a masterful presentation as the negro, while outstanding portrayals are provided by Walter Connolly, William Frawley, Lynne Carver, Jo Ann Sayers and Minor Watson. A very strong supporting programme was also shown.