THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 158, 24 September 1927, Page 15

THE NEW REGENT

NORMA TALMADGE’S “CAMILLE” There are few screen artists with the .popular appeal of Norma Talmadge. In “Camille” she probably roaches a, pinnacle of art unattained in her interesting career. The Fred Niblo version of the old French melodrama was screened at the

New Regent Theatre before a thoroughly appreciative audience last night. A feature of the entertainment was the musical programme arranged by Mr. Maurice Guttridge, which opened with the overture Introduction to Act 111., Lohengrin. The conductor made a varied selection from grand opera excerpts and other gems to provide the requisite musical setting for “Camille.”

Norma Talmadge’s whimsical portrayal of the famous Parisian courtesan was distinctly a new interpretation. ■Rea.ntifnl as the -

Beautiful as the flower whose name she bears, she showed us quite a new Marguerite. Undoubtedly, a more human and lovable Marguerite than the usual variety of over-fed leading lady, who so unconvincingly attempts to force

home the fact that she is consumptive, the victim of a grand passion, more sinned against than sinning, and gradually fading before our very eyes! Norma’s “Camille” will always be a fragrant remembrance. A slim, waxen beauty, fragile and just as sensitive to the rough touch of a hard-hearted world as the camellia so beloved by this princess of pleasure. On the other hand Gilbert Roland, a youthful and impetuous Armand, was inclined, on the slightest provocation, to run the gamut of every emotion. Armand seemed to take a wholesome delight in his own misery. Excellent support, nevertheless, was given by that capable and experienced actress, Rose Dione, and Alec Francis, in the role of the old duke. These were two outstanding performances. Others in the cast included Lilyan Tashman, Helen Jerome Eddy (an unconvincing Nanine), Harvey Clark and Maurice Costello. Fred Niblo’s direction of “Camille” should place the former actor in the front rank of present-day American directors. An interesting feature in connection with the Regent’s bill this week is an Empire News Bulletin, which contains such up-to-date modern piptorial news as the departure of the Prince of Wales and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Baldwin for Canada. The opening of the Menin Gate is another item of particular interest. , “Up and Over,” a scenic which reveals the glories of Banff, Lake Louise, and the majestic Rockies, an AI St. John comedy, and Eddie Horton at the Mighty Wurlitzer complete a thoroughly enjoyable programme.

Corinne Griffith, the beautiful star who has already commenced work on her first United Artists’ production, has chosen Douglas Fairbanks, jun., for the leading male role. The picture is “The Garden of Eden,” and Doug, will be seen in the part of Richard Lamont, . wealthy young globe-trotter, who accidentally meets Toni Le Brun, the captivating dancing girl. Corinne herself plays Toni in ‘The Garden of Eden," which, strange to say, has; not found room for an Adam in the cast.