REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

J “FLORIAN.” The large audience at the Regent Theatre last night had placed before ’ them one of the most brilliant pictures ever to come to the screen —"Florian.” Many of those present considered the film the best they had seen for a very long time as it covered everything that goes to make a picture that the public look for. It was superbly presented. the acting being of a particularly high standard. It was a triumph in every respect and the management was congratulated on all sides at presenting such an admirable picture. The thundering drama of the glories and collapse of an empire, against which is told a tender love story, is the foundation of -“Florian.” The picture traces Austria’s collapse after the last World War through its effects on the lovers and a magnificent Lippizan stallion, owned by Emperor Franz Josef. The story opens in the romantic Austria of 1910, with spectacular Imperial social affairs, reviews of the Emperor’s horses and other spectacles. Robert Young a;id Helen Gilbert respectively play a groom in the Imperial Stables and a Duchess, who, through mutual love for "Florian,” the horse, find themselves in love, a romance forbidden by their difference in social station. The war, revolution, and collapse of the Hapsburg dynasty sweep away social differences as the three are reunited in America. Irina Baronova, beautiful Ballet Russe dancer, not only figures in a spectacular ballet at an Imperial reception, but plays the role of a fiery sweetheart of a grand duke, portrayed by Lee Bowman. Charles Coburn plays a faithful friend, of the lovers.. Reginald Owen is seen as Franz Josef and Lucile Watson plays the Countess. “Florian,” Lippizan stallion presented to the opera star Maria Jeritza by the. Austrian Government, plays the title role. The supporting subjects are specially chosen to match the beauty of the picture and include a sports thrill, “Stars of Tomorrow,” a screen snapshots, ■ a i most interesting “Crime Doesn't Pay" i number, entitled “Buyer Beware,” and the latest Cinesound Gazette. Plans are at Messrs Steele and Bull's shop : and the theatre, and early booking is i essential. i