THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 154, 20 September 1927, Page 17

THE NEW REGENT

ANOTHER SPLENDID BILL Upholding its well-established reputation for programmes of variety and excellence that set the standard and maintain it, the New Regent this week is presenting another splendid bill of pictures, vaudeville, music and novelty, and is drawing big houses. Heading the picture portion of the programme is Paramount’s gripping drama, “The Telephone Girl,” the latest masterpiece by Herbert Brenon, the man who made “Beau Geste.” Leading roles in this adaptation of William C. de Mille’s play, “The Woman,” are enacted by Madge Bellamy, Holbrook Blinn, Warner Baxter, May Allison and Lawrence Gray. The story is one of political intrigue, of powerful secret factions, of crooked journalism, of an unearthed scandal —all hanging on the frail shoulders of one Kitty O’Brien, telephone girl. Some years before, Matthew Standish had spent an indiscreet vacation in Atlantic City. Now, on the verge of winning the election, rivals have dug it up, hoping to smash his aspirations. Only one thing Is missing—the woman’s name. With that, victory will revert to the present incumbent, Governor Mark Robinson. If Standish should come out on top, Robinson’s father-in-law, the political

“boss,” Jim Blake, will be unable to steer clear of the rocks. Blake determines to frighten Standish by stating that the story will be in every paper on the morrow. Sensing the man’s reactions in advance, Blake asks Kitty O’JBrien, the hotel operator, to divulge the number Standish will call, but she refuses, as Blake’s only son is prevented from marrying her only because of his father’s opposition. Within the hour . another call for the same party comes in over Kitty’s switchboard. It is Governor Robinson calling—his wife! From that time on action is manifest in every foot of film. Colin Crane, eminent baritone, of J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville, is wonderfully well received at each of his appearances, and sings, among other numbers, “A Hundred Years From Now” and “Stony Broke.” Eddie Horton at the mighty Wurlitzer features “At Sundown,” and a novelty song film, “Marcheta,” is a popular feature. Maurice Guttridge and the new operatic orchestra present another splendid musical programme, the overture being “Romantique,” by Keler Bela. An hilarious comedy, a gazette, a “Post Picture” and others complete the bill.