THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 15

THE NEW REGENT

“POKER FACES” Distinctive entertainment amid delightful surroundings is what patrons of the New Regent may expect, and what is more, the programmes never deteriorate; they possess a happy knack of improving each week. For a picture theatre that may seem , some - what “stretched,” but it is an undoubted fact that has been proven again and again. When the management advertise a good programme the patrons can rest assured that there is no “catch” in the advertisements. Each week there is something different, and it is just that difference which goes to make up a programme that leaves nothing to be desired in the way of entertainment. Refined, artistic, and wholly pleasing, the New Regent has, after only a few months, established a reputation that is really unique. The pictLires are excellent and the music so essential to a successful programme is a decided feature. Again this week the management have secured a film that ranks as one of the finest and cleverest comedies produced this year. It comes as a welcome change from drama because it is such a delightful production. It was a big house which witnessed the initial screening last night of “Poker Faces,” described as the universal farce of farces. It is more than that, it is the acme of clever comedies and its opening reception is but an indication of the success which is to greet it before the week ends. Edward Everett Horton, “Poker Face,” stands alone as a comedian of the lugubrious type. I-lis facial expressions are enough to raise laughs without anything else. He combines artistry with his acting and is responsible for an impersonation that is truly delightful. Miss Laura La Plante plays opposite Mr. Horton, and is a charming wife. The cast is a strong one, and with two good leaders take the audience through a merry and laughable story. A little difference between a husband and wife, a succession of screamingly funny incidents before hubby will recognise the wife who went to work, and the final curtain. This is not an empty picture; it contains a rattling good plot and provides unlimited entertainment. Feeling blue? Well, see “Poker Faces.” It is a tonic in itself. Incidents from the life of Franz Liszt, the famous composer of “Liebestraum,” in the form of a picture with organ and orchestral accompaniment was a most charming production. A Bobby Vernon comedy with laughs aplenty is also screened. Decidedly clever and with a wealth of witticisms, Paddy Saunders made his bow as a cartoon-ist-humourist. Deft fingers keeping pace with a fast-moving tongue soon made Mr. Saunders a firm favourite. His cartoons were a treat and evoked much applause. Just a little toning down of some of his jokes and Mr. Saunders will make a big impression in Auckland. The mighty Wurlitzer gave out its delightful melody to the bidding of Eddie Horton. The audience listened enthralled to his rendering of

“The Glow Worm” (Linte), “Beneath Thy Window,” and popular melodies. Mr. Horton’s popularity will never wane; his mastery of the organ is an entertainment on its own. Mr. Maurice Guttridge again had his orchestra in excellent form and this important aspect of the programme was much appreciated. The overture “The Barber of Seville” (Rossini) -was superbly rendered. There is no reason why the New Regent should not be packed every night. The programme is a worthy successor to last week’s and will satisfy everybody.