REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“THE TOWER OF LONDON.” The programme tonight 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 before 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 reckless men—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. A year in the making, the new drama offers Basil Rathbone in perhaps his strongest role as the diabolic Richard HI, infamous “Crookback” king, 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 Barbara O’Neil follows her hit performance in "When Tomorrow Comes” with the role of Edward's wife, Elyzabeth. Nan Grey and John Sutton portray the romantic leads. 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,”