NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 485, 15 October 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

FLORENCE VIDOR AND BAND As Madam© Laverne, a pleasure - loving society woman of Paris, Florence Vidor gives a remarkably clever character performance in “The Magnificent Flirt,” a smart French comedy now at the New Regent Theatre. Madame Laverpp angles cautiously for the most impregnable bachelor in Paris, one Count D’Estrange, played by the capable actor, Albert Conti. Meantime madame’s daughter, Denise (Loretta Young) falls badly in love with Hubert, Count D’Estrange’s nephew. Denise confesses her love for Hubert to her mother, who gives her consent to the marriage. Hubert has more difficulty in winning his uncle’s consent, for M. D’Estrange is suspicious of the Laverne family and, in order to overcome Hubert's desire for marriage, offers to compromise the mother while Hubert, concealed in his apartment, listens. Mme. Laverne consents to have dinner, tete-a-tete, in M. D’Estranges’ apartment. The latter tells Mme. Laverne he loves her, but she stands him off and finally, with the idea that Hubert shall hear him, he proposes that Mme. Laverne shall accompany him to Biarritz. To this suggestion Mme. Laverne agrees enthusiastically but, just when M. D’Estranges believes he has proven bis point to Hubert’s satisfaction, Mme. Laverne adds, naively,: “We can be married to-morrow.” A very cordial reception is given every evening to the latest vaudeville innovation, the “Stage Band Presentation,” which has been successfully produced by the Regent management. Against a fantastic and colourful background, the specially augmented Regent Orchestra plays a bright selection of the latest jazz. Then there is the Regent corps de ballet, half a dozen pretty girls -who dance smartly and cleverly. Sammy Porter and Lucille Carne two specialty dancers from the Palais Royal, Sydney, present most acceptably their “Crazy Days,” and also a tango to the tune of “Ramona.” Alf. Mario, another' clever dancer and comedian, also from Sydney, thoroughly amuses the audience by his turns with the corps de ballet. The musical side of the entertainment is in the capable hands of iMr. Maurice Guttridgc.