NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 365, 28 May 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“SERENADE” Adolphe Menjou in a story of the love of a beautiful girl for a great artist, is “Serenade,” now being shown at the New Regent Theatre. The scenes are laid in the Vienna of to-day and Menjou plays the part of Franz Rossi, a young musical composer of ability, who went unrecognised, until, inspired by the beauty of Gretchen Lenz, he writes his first big hit, “Gretchen,” a love song dedicated to her. He marries Gretchen, and with the passing of the years attains great success and popularity. He is directing his operatta at the Opera House, and Joseph Bruckner, his friend and Gretchen’s companion brings her a ticket for the 150th performance. In accordance with her promise never to interfere with his work, Franz forbids her going. However, Gretchen sits in the theatre, and is delirious with joy at the ovation her husband receives. After the performance, she goes to meet him at the stage door. When he appears the prirna ballerina is on his arm. They enter a car and drive away. Overcome with misery Gretchen walks off in a daze; The supporting cast includes Kathryn Carver, Lawrence Grant and Lina Basquette. The second pictorial feature on the programme is a romantic comedy, “Honeymoon Hate,” with Florence Vidor in the starring role. A miniature musical comedy will also be presented, “Chez Louise.” It is a glittering display of dancing and song, with a gorgeous setting of beautiful gowns and the latest Parisian models.

Leslie V. Harvey plays suitable music at the Wurlitzer, and the overture, “Picque Dame” (Suppe) is played by the Regent Operatic Orchestra under the able baton of Arthur G. Frost.