NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 363, 25 May 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“SERENADE” TO-NIGHT Adolphe Menjou’s pictures have been growing in popularity, and his latest, “Serenade,” a story of a young musical composer, in the Vienna of to-day, is bound to have an enthusiastic reception when it is screened at the New Regent Theatre this evening. Menjou plays the role of Franz Rossi, a young composer of ability, but so little money that he is thrown out of Iris boarding-house. With a couple of porters carryirg his piano he goes in search of another place, and on the way sees beautiful Gretchen Lenz. He also notices a “Room for Rent” sign. Franz loses no time in closing a deal with Gretchen’s mother; the piano is installed, and he plunges into work on a new operetta. Under the girl’s inspiration, Franz writes his first big hit, “Gretchen,” a love song, dedicated to her. Even Josef, his critical friend, has to admit its worth. However, when Franz mentions marriage, he warns him that an artist must never wed. Gretchen insists that their married life will be different; she will be an aid, not a hindrance; she will never interfere with his work. With the passing years, acclaim so great comes to Franz that no human could possibly remain unspoiled. With this success comes neglect for his wife. The supporting cast includes Kathryn Carver, Lawrence Grant and. Lina Basque tte. The second feature will be a romantic comedy with Florence Vidor as the star, entitled “Honeymoon Hate.” It is a story of a woman who went halfway round the world for the man she loved, and many of the scenes are laid in Venice, Paris and London. A miniature musical comedy, “Chez Louise,” will also be presented, a glittering display of lights, dance and song, in a gorgeous setting of beautiful gowns and a wonderful parade of the latest Paris modes. Leslie V. Harvey will provide a musical entertainment on the Wurlitzer, and the overture and incidental music will be rendered by Arthur G. Frost and the Regent Operatic Orchestra.