REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 February 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN.” The final screening of this refreshingly novel and gay romantic musical will take place this evening. Baby Sandy has won all hearts, the antics of this adorable little mite must be seen to be believed. “THE BEACHCOMBER." Charles Laughton, whose film characterisations have ranged from Nero in "Sign of the Cross,” through the role of the ribald, robust king in “Henry the VIII,” to Captain Bligh in “Mutiny on the Bounty," delineates a new and entirely different—but definitely "Laughton” —character in his latest picture, “The Beachcomber,” which will open tomorrow at the Regent Theatre. Laughton is seen as "Ginger Ted," English-born "remittance man” and beachcomber, loafing his life away on a tiny island. As Laughton portrays him, “Ginger” is a man who is at odds with the scheme of things in this quasitropical civilisation. He resents efforts on the part of the authorities to restrain his addiction to drink, and his desire to make friends with the native girls. Despondent at times, in other moments roisterous, occasionally showing an inkling of the qualities of a gentleman, “Ginger" is a character which only Laughton could create, with such consummate artistry. As the picture develops, “Ginger” finds himself confronted with a new and different “menace” —a woman who seeks to reform him. It’s one Miss Jones, a missionary, played in “The Beachcomber” by Charles Laughton's wife, Elsa Lanchester. “Ginger” resents her; he is furious at her —and she despises him. Their two characters are poles apart—yet subtly each begins to feel the impact qf the other’s personality. Amazingly and believably, the narrative goes forward to a climax in which the drunken, slovenly, sullen, disreputable "Ginger" is changed for the better as a result of the influence of Miss Jones who is herself humanised in the process. W. Somerset Maughan, outstanding English author, wrote the book on which the picture is based. It is a Mayflower picture, produced and directed in England. A superb array of featurettes include the official film of the opening of the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. Rians are al Nimmo's and theatre and early booking is advised.