NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 160, 27 September 1927, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“CAMILLE” Shakespeare’s contention that ‘The play’s the thing” is unmistakably upheld by present-day trends in motion picture production, according to Norma Talmadge, whose latest screen vehicle, “Camille,” is the feature attraction at the New Regent Theatre. “ 'Camille/ which has been transferred to the screen in modern form, is an example of the manner in which motion pictures are coming around to Shakespeare’s point of view,” Miss Talmadge said. “It is interesting to know that all of the immortal bard’s plays were presented without costuming or stage scenery, yet his dramas, tragedies and comedies were the most convincing of their day. In spite of the varied stage settings and costumes provided for them in later years, Shakespeare’s dramatic creations have come down 1:o the present time without the slightest loss of appeal. This most certainly supports his declaration that ‘the play’s the thing/ “Following this principle, ‘Camille’ has been given a modern treatment, without fear of detracting from its dramatic value. For such classics as this most famous work of Alexandre Dumas junr., and the writings of Shakespeare are eternally modern.” With Fred Niblo as director, Miss Talmadge’s “Camille,” produced by Joseph M. Schenck for First National release, also presents one of the season’s most interesting supporting casts. Norma’s new leading man is a Spanish youth, Gilbert Roland, whose portrayal of the lover, “Aa-mand,” is his first big role. Also appearing as featured players are Lilyan Tashman, as the courtesan “Olympe”: Rose Dione as “Prudence”: Harvey Clark as “The Baron”: Alec Francis as “The Duke”; Helen Jerome Eddy as “Nanette,” Camille’s maid, and others.