NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 385, 20 June 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“THE GAY DEFENDER” Patrons of the New Regent Theatre this week have enjoyed the doublefeature programme now being presented. One picture, entitled “Love and Learn,” stars the delightful and popular star, Esther Ralston. Miss Ralston plays the role of Miss Nancy Blake, who, to prevent her father and motf:-r thinking so much of their own troubles that they think of divorce, decides to get into all the hot water she can in an endeavour to make them forget themselves in anxiety over her. She succeeds beyond her wildest dreams, and eventually, by various means, is placed in gaol. In gaol she overhears a plot to discredit the judge in the coming election. She breaks gaol and goes to see the judge. He and his manager having heard of something in the hotel, decide to change rooms for the night, by arrangement with the chamber-maid. Nancy books the same room. Things happen that night. The judge is shocked when he finds Nancy in the room. She tells him of the plot. The efforts of his rivals fall through and eventually mother and father are happy again in the happiness of their daughter. The second attraction, although of an entirely different nature, is equally enjoyable. It is entitle.d “The Gay Defender.” and the leatXng role is played by Richard Dix. Heroic, romantic exploits of Joaquim Murrieta, early California’s most dominant figure, supply the basis for this melodrama of the ranchos. Villainy of gold-greedy adventurers turns a languid aristocratic youth into a terrorising, night-riding Robin Hood. His single-handed bravery stamps out oppression and wins him back both hacienda and sweetheart. The musical side of the programme is in the capable hands of Mr. Arthur G. Frost who, in addition tq leading the Regent Operatic Orchestra, also plays the Wurlitzer organ. The overture by the orchestra is the beautiful “Slavonic Rhapsody” by Friedman.