NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 419, 30 July 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS” Ghosts fluttering about cob-webby beams; hideous faces peering at a beautiful blonde trapped in a den of mysterious creatures; eerie noises and chilling screams, and with it all many laughs and a splash of romance. That is a brief description of what goes On during the action of “Something Always Happens,” Esther Ralston’s latest Paramount picture, which is now being shown at the New Regent Theatre. The story tells of a Diana who is staying in a quiet English house with her fiance, Roderick, played by Niel Hamilton. She longs for excitement, but life seems very serene. One day Diana and Roderick start for London to put the ruby in a safedeposit vault. The car becomes lost in the rain, and Roderick goes to the door of a deserted house to get information as to the right road. When Roderick fails to return, Diana follows him into the house. She encounters doors which open, close and lock themselves. She sees hideous apparitions, eyes flashing in the darkness, black cats, mysterious hands and feet and chairs that move around for no reason at all. More than half the story is laid in this haunted house. Of high quality, and bound to evoke the appreciation of all audiences, are the concert items presented by Miss Dawn Assheton (an English coloratura soprano), and Laszlo Schwartz (Hungarian violinist), who have achieved popular success in countries throughout the world for their effective ensemble act. Far removed from merely a “high-brow” recital —for these artists recognise that the musical appeal must be cosmopolitan in these days of varying pleasures—Miss Assheton and Mr. Schwartz have mapped out a programme that suits all lands and all tastes.

Not only is Miss Assheton a brilliant soprano with a marvellous range, singing jgrand opera, ballads and folk songs with equal facility, but she vivifies her numbers by appearing in the costume typical of the land whose she designates. “Petite, fascinating, golden-haired singer, blessed with finesse and fire. And what costumes!” Such was the impression of an eminent Paris critic.

The musical accompaniment is of the usual high standard supplied byMaurice Guttridge and the Regent Operatic Orchestra.

“SERENADE” AT ROYAL

“Serenade,” Adolphe Menjou’s latest picture, will be shown this evening at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland.

“Serenade” is a story of Franz Rossi, a young musical composer in Vienna, who falls violently in love with a beautiful young girl, Gretchen Lenz. Under her inspiration he writes his masterpiece, a love song, dedicated to her.

He is appointed leader of the orchestra at the Vienna Opera House. As the years roll by he begins to forget his Gretchen and makes love to the leading dancer, but his wife pays him back in hjs own coin. The second attraction is “Glennister of the Mounted,” starring Lelty Flynn.