“BLONDE OR BRUNETTE?”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 78, 23 June 1927, Page 15

“BLONDE OR BRUNETTE?”

MENJOU AT REGENT That ultra-debonair young fellow, Adolphe Menjou, diverts his unique artistry and makes fun of the wellknown eternal triangle in “Blonde or Brunette,” his latest Paramount starring vehicle, which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow, in conjunction with the stage appearance of the 16 semi-finalists in the “Miss New Zealand 1927” screen quest. Greta Nissen and Arlette Marchal, respectively Norweigian and French charmers, are the triangle’s other points. To give the comedy the proper French spice, it being an adaptation of a Parisian stage success, “An Angel Passes,” the nonchalant Menjou marries them both; not concurrently, of course. First, he marries Greta in a deliberate effort to shake off his wild Paris associates, but only succeeds in acquiring a new set of wilder associates. Then both women match wits for his affections. The homily that gentlemen fancy blondes is put to a severe test. The result must be seen to be appreciated. The climax of the hilarious farce comes when Menjou finds himself stranded with the two women at a country estate. He is divorced from one and married to the other, but his hosts are unaware of this and insist on putting him in the wrong room. John McDermott, who adapted the play to the screen, and Director Richard Rosson, are said to have created one of the cleverest comedies ever offered. Every foot of film is interlaced with laughs, giving Menjou a rare opportunity for his individual style, which he makes the most of. Paramount has selected a sterling cast for the production, including such players as Mary Can*, ;who plays the good-samaritan grandmother; Paul Weigel, the butler; Evelyn Sherman, the mother-in-law; Emile Chautard, Henry Sedley, Andre Lanoy and Henri Menjou, the star’s brother. On the musical side of the programme, Mr. Maurice Guttridge and the Operatic Orchestra will present special selections, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Eddie Horton at the Mighty Wurlitzer will play his own composition, “New Zealand Maid,” a catchy number that is sure to make a hit, and he will also play a Maori song number. There will be the usual \ excellent supports.