“THE CHEERFUL FRAUD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 134, 27 August 1927, Page 15

“THE CHEERFUL FRAUD”

DENNY AT THE REGENT There is a wholesome virility about Reginald Denny which appeals to both sexes alike. His work is clear-cut and direct. He has a subtle charm, too, which cannot be denied. “The Cheerful Fraud,” Denny’s latest Paramount production, occasions not

one cheerful laugh, but many. Regent udiences last night decided that it was well up to the comedian’s best standard. It was Reginald Denny at his funniest. Cast this time as an impetuous young baronet, who meets a girl / In a rainstorm, and

in order to become better acquainted with her acts as her employer’s secretary. Denny provides his admirers with several thousand feet of intriguing fun. Immediately Denny impersonates the secretary, a well known crook impersonates the baronet. Here takes place one of the most amusing incidents in “The Cheerful Fraud.” Desperate, with the police close on his heels, the criminal enters the hotel suite of Sir Michael Fairlie. Every entrance is barred. Escape is impossible. With admirable presence of mind he dashed into the bedroom, smothered his face with beauty mud—incidentally modelling a new nose for himself —and so met the guardians of the law. It was quite impossible to recognise the thief under To assume the identity of Sir Michael subsequently was not difficult. The scene changes to the country home of the Bytheways, newly rich, and anxious to obtain a little social uplift. The Bytheways, though living in an English manor, are obviously Americans. In the denouement the crook, still posing as the baronet, attempts to steal the jewels of his hostess A little judicious snipping ot the titles might possibly give “The Cheerful Fraud” a more English atmos--1 h Emily Fitzroy was responsible for a capital characterisation as the domineering Mrs. Bytheway. Otis Harlan was her long-suffering spouse. Gertrude Olmstead, cast as the secretary of Mrs. Bytheway, made an appealing secretary. Gertrude Astor, a particularly assiduous adventuress, and Charles Gerrard, looking the most gentlemanly of crooks until he scowled which was not infrequent—completed the cast. _ “Norway” was the new Post travelogue, which was particularly interesting The trip through Norway, famI ous for its fiords and pretty girls, was thoroughly enjoyable. Bertini, a vagabond violinist, provided the vaudeville interlude. His “Night at the Club.” wherein he had the assistance of the orchestra when musically reproducing his adventures on that occasion, was cleverly conveyed. “If I Were King” (Adam) was rendered in an exceedingly sprightly man- ! ner by the orchestra, under the direction of Maurice Guttridge. Eddie Horton, at the Wurlitzer, played Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and “Thinking.” He also caused general amusement with his novelty song item, “Three Blind Mice.”

The Regent Magazine, and a Bobby Vernon comedy, “Yes, Yes, Babette!” completed the programme.