REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

LAUGHTON’S GREAT ACTING. The packed audience at the Regent Theatre on Saturday night had placed before them one of the outstanding screen pictures of all time in “The Beachcomber.” It is a brilliantly acted picture sad one which holds the interest and creates admiration for the manner of its production and for its theme. “The Beachcomber - ’ signalises the outstanding character delineation in the distinguished career of the English actor, Charles Laughton. Cast as “Ginger Ted,” English beachcomer and remittance man cast up on a small island in the Dutch Malay, Laughton surpasses even his performances as Bligh in “Mutiny on the Bounty,” and as the celebrated painter in "Rembrandt.” Based on a story by W. Somerset Maugham, the plot of “The Beachcomber” revolves around the fact that “Ginger” has made himself a public nuisance on this tiny tropical island. His drunken escapades are a constant source of irritation to Miss Jones, the missionary, and her brother, Dr. Jones, whose efforts to civilise the natives are blocked by “Ginger” at every turn. Even the Controleur who is in charge of the island is upset by "Ginger’s” actions, but he considers him the best company on the island, and usually forgives him when he is brought up for justice. But things come to a climax when “Ginger” is accused by Miss Jones of becoming too familiar with one of her native girl students. In desperation, the Controleur sentences “Ginger” to three months’ banishment on a near-by island, where “Ginger” lives a life of ease, served by gay native girls—but deprived of liquor. Charles Laughton is magnificent as “Ginger Ted,” his delivery of his lines, his movements,.his feeling for the characterisation dominating almost every scene in which he appears, yet never becoming too obtrusive. Elsa Lanchester plays Miss Jones with finesse and feeling, while Tyrone Guthrie in the role of her brother and Robert Newton as the young Dutchman in charge of the island deliver superlative supporting performances. Those particular picture patrons who appreciate only high-class presentations should not miss this magnificent offering. It is a picture that appeals for its greatness and the brilliance of the acting of Charles Laughton. There is an excellent programme of supports to suit all tastes.