NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 323, 7 April 1928, Page 13

NEW REGENT

DIVING AND “THE SPOTLIGHT” The semi-finals of the diving contest will be commenced this evening at the New Regent Theatre. Great interest has been shown by both audiences and participants in this unique stage event, and great enthusiasm is anticipated during the final stages of the competition. Intimate scenes of. back ; stage life and a glimpse into the existence of a Broadway stage sensation arc among the features that make “The Spotlight.” the chief film in the programme to-night, one of the most interesting over screened. Esther Ralston, the blonde beauty, whose exceptional characterisations and great appeal have made her one of the most popular of film actresses, has the starring role.

“The Spotlight”'is more than a story of the stage. It is the story of real life, real love, and the problems that life and love bring. Only the problems confronted by Esther Ralston as Lizzie Stokes are a little more involved than those that are encountered by the average person.

A wistful little girl whose true beauty is hidden behind a sensitive mask of plainness suddenly finds herself made over into a glittering butterfly, the toast of Broadway. She has to pay a price for reaching the pinnacle of stage success, however. A

price that seriously menaces her chances for the love and happiness she has always craved.

Supporting Miss Ralston in this exceptionally fascinating picture are Neil Hamilton, Nicholas Soussanin, Arthur Housman and Arlette Marchal. Hamilton takes the part of Norman Brooke, the man who falls hopelessly in love with the dazzling actress.

Edward Everett Horton, who is seen fov too little on the screen these days, shows his amazing powers as a comedian*-in a roaring short comedy, “Find the King.” When coddled by his maiden aunts for 20 years, he suddenly finds himself among some “Wild West shooting men.” An interesting picture shows the wonderful electric railways of Melbourne, while a Regent Review, an Australian Gazette, and a Krazy Kat Kartoon are also included.

Leslie V. Harvey will play Rubenstein’s Melody in F and Charmaine, and the Regent Operatic Orchestra will render a special musical programme under the baton of Maurice Guttridge.