THE REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 74, 18 June 1927, Page 15

THE REGENT

“FASHIONS FOR WOMEN” A girl and gown film accurately describes “Fashions for Women,” Esther Ralston’s first starring vehicle, which a large audience at the Regent Theatre laughed through last night. There is a Parisian spice and flavour in “Fashions for Women,” which is, of course, a necessary adjunct to any farce. Here, for instance, we see the divine La Celeste, famous Paris Mannequin, in her bath of milk. “From cows so satisfied,” explained her press agent, “that they were almost hysterical.” Naturally, a battery of cameras was focussed upon the unclad Celeste. The adulation of an admiring public was taken as a matter of course. Celeste was used to it; what is more, she demanded it. But the girl with the laughing eyes in the bath of milk was not really Celeste. She was a little Irish girl named Lulu Dooley, the cigarette queen of a famous restaurant. The real Celeste was recovering from the effects of a painful face-lifting operation. Both roles were played with consummate artistry and skill byEsther Ralston. In less able hands ‘Fashions for Women"' might not have been a success. It is so essentially sketchy. It depends so much upon its frocking and noveL effects. Nevertheless, it is a sincere tribute to the personality of the actress. Raymond Hatton appears In support of the star. He is cast; as her aviator. Formerly a wealthy member of the Paris Stock Exchange, he was glad to accept this offer from the capricious Celeste. He wa.s not aware, of course, that the flighty mannequin, with her many loves and penchant for display, was the little cigarette girl from the Pliillipe. Complications naturally follow when he learns the true identity of La Celeste. Most amusing throughout, too. are the schemes of her enterprising press agent, who was responsible for so much trouble in “Fashions for Women.” Altogether a laughable film, which constantly amuses; after all, that is a comedy’s function. The Regent was fortunate in gaining such full-hearted co-operation from ! Messrs. Milne and Cboyce,, Ltd., in connection with the mannequin display. Creations sufficient in themselves to tempt the heart olf frail womankind, quite apart from the grace with which they were worn, were displayed to their full artistic advantage on a riotously decorated stage. So much attention was paid to the staging effects, however, that there was just the danger that it might detract from the froeking. A more simple scheme, amplified by lighting, would have been more effective. Eddie Horton at the Wurlitzer contents himself this week with the ‘Barcarolle” from “The Tales of Hoffman.” and “Somewhere a Voice is Calling.” two sufficiently w ell known melo dies to ensure a popular reception. The third series of the “Miss New Zealand 1927,” film naturally aroused much attention owing to the close of the competition. The Regent News an interesting: glimpse of Belgrade, and a comedy completed the bill. Maurice Guttridge and his orchestra were responsible for an exhilarating interpretation of von Suppe’s “Light Cavalry.”