REGENT’S BRIGHT SHOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 490, 20 October 1928, Page 16

REGENT’S BRIGHT SHOW

MUSIC, DANCING AND PICTURES

“Quick and busy” is apparently the motto of Maurice Guttridge and hia merry men at the Regent Theatre. Last evening the new stage band gave a well-filled house a very entertaining peep into “A Night in Cairo," and from the opening clang of Eastern gongs to the last whirlwind dance there was not a minute’s let-up. “.Eastern Memories,” with apologies to Ketelbey, made a very appropriate opening to the scena. The swaying figure of the leader was again dressed i in immaculate white, while the very industrious members of the band wore the bright red fez of the East. The ladies of the harem made an attractive entrance with “The Song of a Prune.” It was an entertaining number well sung, and the work of the ballet was bright and attractive. The “Lance of the Seven Veils,” in which a brilliantly veiled figure appears from the form of the mummy to discard veil after veil in a typically Eastern dance, finally to return to its original state, was both clever and artistic. Items f rom the “Girl Friend” gave that clever pair, Porter and Carne, an opportunity to step themselves out in an exhilarating number. The fina'e, “Do You Like It?” was a spirited ensemble and a fitting end to a very bright show. Sustained applause followed until long after the fall of the curtain.

Tlio star picture, “Half a Bride,” is a, romantic drama with just enough subtle comedy added to be really enjoyable. It is a story of a strong-willed beauty, who brooks parental control, and a young sea captain—somewhat stronger willed—who are destined to lead an Adam and Eve existence on an uninhabited island. It is almost unnecessary to add that the pampered society girl, who starts out by hating her companion, ends up by falling in love with him. Esther Ralston is the attractive society girl and Gary Cooper is sufficiently handsome and strongwilled to be the ideal cave man type. Completing an unusually interesting programme is a “Krazy Kat” cartoon, a Bobby Vernon comey, “Hold Her, Cowboy,” and a Regent Gazette. Items by the Regent Operatic Orchestra and by Mr. Maurice Guttridge on the Wurlitzer, added to the enjoyment of the programme.