REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“NINOTCHKA.”

“Ninotchka,” which will be finally shown tonight at the Regent Theatre, is a very clever and amusing satire on the pre-war condition of Europe, with r a final reference to Russia. The action ' takes place in Paris, with occasional excursions to Moscow and Constantinople, so the cosmopolitan atmosphere is very well maintained. The importance of dialogue in a .film of this kind I is such as to make or break the picture. “Ninotchka” in this respect is one of the brightest films to be released in recent years. The modern Russia, with its numerous and .sudden liquidations and its heavy seriousness, is well parodied, and there are some brilliant patches where the long arm of the Soviet reaches out to its erring envoys in Paris. In the leading role, Greta Garbo emerges from her characteristic shell of reserve to produce a really first-rate comedy role. She is well supported by Melvyn Douglas. “THE TOWER OF LONDON.” The change of programme tomorrow night will be headed by that sensational film, “The Tower of London.” The picture provides excellent material for a number of prominent artists to show their ability in acting. Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, lan Hunter, Barbara O'Neil and Ronald Sinclair are excellently placed in this magnificent picture. It is a drama spreading beI fore the eyes against a background of sensationalism. The picture is full of colourful adventure, thrilling romance, pomp and pageantry. It is the story of beautiful women and recklessmen —living, loving in the sinister shadows of the grim tower of London. As Henry 111. the unscrupulous and clever Duke of Gloucester, who refused to allow the fact that he was sixth in succession to the Throne to be a serious bar to his ambition, Basil Rathbone gives an outstanding performance. Boris Karloff as Mord, the executioner, and Barbara O'Neill are splendidly cast. A year in the making, the new drama offers Basil Rathbone in perhaps his strongest role as the diabolic Richard 111, infamous "Crookback” king, i and includes some of Hollywood’s ■ ablest dramatic players in its cast of ' hundreds. Boris Karloff of "Frankenstein" and other horror roles also has a powerful part as Richard’s ally, the fearsome executioner of the Tower. lan Hunter is seen as Edward IV and BarJ bara O'Neil follows her hit performance in "When Tomorrow Comes" with the role of Edward's wife. Elyzabcth. Nan Gyey and John Sutton portray the romantic leads and Vincent Price, Leo G. Carroll. Lionel Belmore, Miles i Mander, Rose Hobart, Ralph Forbes, ; Frances Robinson, Ernest Cossart. G. P. Huntley, Donnie Dunagan and Ronald Sinclair are other principals. Brothers Rowland V. and Robert N. Lee. producer-director and writer, respectively, collaborated in filming a story which parallels closely actual and gory historical records. They chose the 15th century as a background because ft was a time of virile action and constant warfare, when both romance and fighting were carried on within the shadow of the scaffold or the border of the battlefield. The story centres around the life of Richard, whose ambitions and treachery lead him to destroy five who stand between him and the throne. Among the victims are the “two little princes in the Tower.” The supporting subjects include the latest Overseas News, an interesting historical number and a delightful allcolour cartoon. “A Haunting We Will Go."