REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 December 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL.” Read by millions for nearly 100 years, played on the stage and dramatised over the radio countless times, "A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens's immortal story of Yuletide, has at last come to the audiences of the screen. Taken directly from the pages of Dickens, the picture, which will be shown tonight at the Regent, brings Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Cratchits and the rest of the beloved characters to life in an authentic reproduction of old London of Dickens’ day. Deftly directed by Edwin L. Marin, with Reginald Owen, as Scrooge, and Terry Kilburn, English boy actor discovered in “Lord Jeff” as Tiny Tim, the picture reproduces almost every situation and speech exactly as written by the author. The story is known to the whole world; how the miser Ebenezer Scrooge sneers at the joy of Christmas, declaring it all “humbug;” how he discharges his clerk, Bob Cratchit, in a fit of rage; forbids his nephew, Fred, to wed; refuses all charity. He is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Marley, bound in the chains of his own inhumanity on earth, and conducted by three spirits, first to his youth and his happy Christmases of that time, then to Christmas Present, the misery among London’s teeming population contrasted with the Christmas joy and love in the home of Bob Cratchit with his family and crippled son Tiny Tim. He learns that without his job Cratchit will not be able to provide treatment that will save the boy from death. He is shown the forgotten, untended grave bearing his name that will be his last resting-place unless he changes. Regenerated, the miser spreads Christmas cheer,, makes his nephew his partner that he may marry, re-employs Cratchit and arranges for Tiny Tim’s care as the drama closes with the child's speech. “God bless us, every one.” Owen’s portrayal of Scrooge is finely balanced and his make-up recreates the original illustrations of the part. Terry Kilburn is appealing as Tiny Tim, and Gene and Kathleen Lockhart as the Cratchits might have stepped from the pages of the book. Barry Mackay, a new English actor, is romantically pleasing as Fred, the romantic lead opposite Lynne Carver. The ghost is played convincingly by Leo. G. Carroll. Authentic reproductions of old London, costumes, and Christmas celebrations of the time give verity to the haunting story. A specially selected array of featurettes in keeping with the superb feature, adds further to an outstanding presentation. The plans are at Nimmo’s and the theatre, and there is no booking fee.