REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 August 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“DISPUTED PASSAGE.”

Newspaper reporters and gangsters are being crowded off the screen by doctors as Hollywood’s No. 1 story source. There is excitement in the private life of a doctor and human drama behind hospital doors that make rriedical and scientific stories ideal for translation on to the screen. The latest is Paramount’s version of the Lloyd Douglas best-seller, “Disputed Passage,” a picture in the tradition of such hits as “Pasteur,” “Men in White” and “The Citadel.” It will be shown tonight at the Regent Theatre, with Dorothy Lamour, Akim Tamiroff and John Howard heading a brilliant cast. “Disputed Passage” deals more with a doctor’s attitude towards his practice than the practice itself. In the pifcture, Akim Tamiroff plays the role of a doctor who believes in the stern dedication of the physician’s life to science, with no room for human emotion. William Collier, Senr., plays the role of a doctor to whom the human side is as important as the scientific. Caught between these two attitudes are John Howard, product and pride of Tamiroff’s instruction, and Dorothy Lamour, his sweetheart. Miss Lamour is seen in the role of an American girl, brought up in China, who has returned to the Orient when Tamiroff 'says her marriage to Howard, his most promising student, will ruin the latter’s career. Howard finds out what has happened and sets out across the battlefronts of present day China, in search of his fiancee. One day, while attempting to rescue a wounded Chinese during an enemy air raid, he is himself dangerously hurt. Excellent supports include a thrilling Overseas News in which is recorded Britain’s great tribute to the R.A.F., Colonial troops in England and views of Nazi raids and wanton destruction. The plans are at Steele and Bull’s, Queen Street, and the Theatre.

“DAD RUDD, M.P.” Pfans are now open for this great riot of fun and the latest adventure of the inimitable “Rudd Family” which commences on Saturday. Bert Bailey, Australia’s grand old artist is of course Dad and Fred McDonald is the ludicrous Dave. On all sides it is agreed that this latest production is the finest and funniest of the whole delightful series. Early booking is essential.