THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 23, 19 April 1927, Page 12

THE NEW REGENT

A SPECIAL PROGRAMME Packed to the doors at both afternoon and evening sessions, the New Regent is offered this week a special Easter programme that sets a new standard in motion picture theatre entertainment. Not only is the star film an outstanding British production, but the musical side of the bill is, in itself, something of which the management might well be proud. The picture, “The Rat,” is a triumph for British studios. It stars Ivor Novello and Isabel Jeans, England’s leading artists, and tells a gripping tale of the Paris underworld, frequented by the notorious Apaches. The story is woven round “The Rat,” most picturesque of all the Apaches, a lover in the dens of Montmartre, and a beautiful society woman. Scenes of gripping intensity unfold in quick succession and work up to a tremendous climax. Apart from its plot, the film is notable for its gorgeous array of feminine beauty and its wealth of Paris gowns.

The musical programme includes Miss Phyllis Hayell, eminent Australian contralto, whose singing of Percy Kahn’s "Ave Maria,” to organ accompaniment by Eddie Horton, has created a furore. Eddie Horton himself has chosen superb items, including Handel's “Largo” and “Souvenir.” Thunderous applause has greeted the wonderful rendering by organ and orchestra combined of “Kamenoi Ostrow” (Rubenstein), the orchestra being under .the masterly baton of Mr. Maurice Guttridge.