METRO-GOLDWYN STARS AT KING’S.

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12609, 20 November 1926, Page 13

METRO-GOLDWYN STARS AT KING’S.

The work of a motion picture star, like that of a woman, is never done. No sooner has a screen celebrity finished work upon one picture than the search for another suitable production must be immediately begun. Norma Shearer, beautiful Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer star, who has the title role in this company’s new film, “His Secretary” (at the King’s Theatre) is now trying to find another story that will allow her a definite opportunity for character portrayal. Her reoent pictures were “Lady of the Night,” “He Who Gets Slapped,” “The Tower of Lies,” “The Devil’s Circus” and “A Slave of Fashion.” Appearing with her in this picture, are popular Lew Cody, Willard Louis, Karl Dane, Mabel Van Buren, Gwen Lee and Ernest Gillen.

* • * # THE REGENT OPENING

The definite announcement, for some considerable time expectantly awaited by the whole of Wellington, is now made of the opening of Williamson’s new beautiful theatre, “The Regent,” in Manners street. The scaffolding in front of the building is now cleared, disclosing an edifice of imposing grandeur andl architectural beauty a building, in fact, which must now be included amongst the limited number of architectural show places in the city of Wellington. The Regent will be opened at 8 o’clock on Friday, December 3rd, with a powerful programme consisting of a Paramount Master picture, “Beau Geste,” and a strong vaudeville programme. A grand operatic orchestra of 14 selected soloists, under the baton of Mr M. T. Dixon, will render a specially arranged musical accompaniment.

Two imperial performances will be given daily, at 2 o’clock and 8 o’clock, whilst intermediary sessions of the picture programme only will be held at 12 noon and 4.30 p.m. Popular prices will prevail throughout the day and evening piogrammes, ranging from 3s in the lounge seats, plus tax, to 1-s front stalls. Box plans will he opened at the theatre on Monday week (telephone 44-144), and seats may also be reserved at the Bristol.

• • * • “BEAU GESTE” FOR REGENT THEATRE

Unprecedented enthusiasm on the part of the moving picture public prevails in Wellington in regard to the advent of Paramount’s great picture, “Beau Geste,” to the new Regent Theatre. The news that this great P. C. Wren, story is to have its New Zealand premiere at such an early date, certainly comes as a pleasant surprise, for the book itself is enjoying great popularity at the present moment. Elaborate plans are being carried out for the premiere presentation of this great picture, and according to advance evidences it is going to be received with tremendous enthusiasm. The players in “Beau Geste” are Ronald Colman. Neil Hamilton, Ralph Forbes. Noah Beery, Alice Joyce, Victor McLaglan and Mary Brian.

• » • BRITISH FILMS

It has remained' for an American film producer to declare that Britain can not only make the best cinema pictures in the world, but can also compel their presentation throughout the universe. Mr J. D. Williams, an independent dirctor with a notable record, has just come forward with this unexpected statement. His argument is that England is a treasure store of reality and romance, with great traditions and rich achievements, and that English stories of gennino greatness made into films would be welcomed everywhere abroad. He strikes a note of sharp criticism of his own country’s output when he adds that the English pictures will be novel because they will be just English, faithful to England as it is, and therefore "unusual.” • * * •

Even the American producers freely admit that all the essentials for the making of great pictures can be fonnd in England to-day, for the problem of sunlight no longer bothers producers. They prefer, in fact, to use artificial light for their greatest and their most striking effects. As for backgrounds, it is asked what country in the world can offer so many of such infinite variety? ■As for history, the very stones teem with it. The artists are there, as such films as "Woman to Woman" prove even to the satisfaction of the most biting American critics. • • • #

The first of Lou Tellogan’s productions for Fox Films is to be titled, "My Wife's Honour/’ Although Tellegan has appeared in many Fox productions before, this is the first time that h* is to direct a production for that company. He appears with George O'Brien, in “The Silver Treasure/' to be released here shortly, having the role of Sotillo, the bandit chief.

"Hard Boiled/' the Mix attraction which, concluded ite Wellington season at the Queen's Theatre on Thursday, received the approval of hundreds of children, with whom the famous cowboy is a prime favourite. Tom and Tony are always wonderful drawing cards amongst the youngsters, and the efforts of Mr A.. Butler, manager of the Queen's Theatre. had a lot to do with the successful screening of this film. • • « «

"Art must bo cultivated for its own sake. You may moke money out of it, or you may not; hut if tin* moneymnWtm? is vouv first consideration then farewell to art/' —C. Midgley*