RIALTO, AND REGENT, EPSOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 516, 20 November 1928, Page 15

RIALTO, AND REGENT, EPSOM

A HAROLD BELL WRIGHT STORY Humour and comedy in abundance is one of the features of the screen version of Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” which is now being shown at the Rialto and Regent, Epsom, Theatres. The colourful story of the Ozark Mountains and Ozark folk works to high dramatic climaxes on the screen, but it is also warmly human. Part of the humanness of the story, an element that had its part in making the novel so famous, is the whimsical humour of its characterisations. Alec B. Francis plays the title role. Molly O’Day and John Boles are the lovers, Matthew Betz and a picturesque crew of bad-men supply the villainy, Romaine Fielding is the Ozark Patriarch, and Joseph Bennett, the rival lover. Little Maurice Murphy plays the hill boy of the story, and a second charming love story is enacted between Marion Douglas and John Westwood.

On Otis Harlan’s broad and capable shoulders the chief burden of comedy falls, but the comedy is distributed throughout the production. “Vamping Venus,” a bright comedy starring Louise Fazenda and Charlie Murray, w r ill also be shown.

An interesting novelty will bo introduced into the film. “The Carnation Kid,” which Douglas Mac Lean is making for Paramount. A telephoto apparatus will be shown in operation, with a picture being transmitted over the wires from one station to another. “The Carnation Kid” will be sound synchronised.

Harry Beaumont will direct “Broadway Melody” for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The new story, an original by Edmund Goulding, is highly dramatic, dealing with life along New York’s Great White Way. It will contain dialogue sequences. Bessie Love and Anita Page will play the leading feminine roles, and other selections for the cast will be announced later.