NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 556, 8 January 1929, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“THE ENEMY” The screen has seen many war stories of late, but “The Enemy,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayei' current season attraction, which is now showing at the New Regent Theatre, is not a war story in the accepted sense. It does not show a single battle scene. Instead, it depicts the silent struggle that is waged behind the firing lines by the devoted mothers, wives and sweethearts who are left to carry on. Lillian Gish appears in the role of a young Austrian bride, and gives an inspired performance, with Ralph Forbes opposite her. That great director, Fred Niblo, who will always be remembered for his “Ben Hur,” handles the story of “The Enemy” with consummate skill. I-fe is out to tell the story of war from the human side—the story of those left in. the city’s streets, the back alleys, and the peaceful country lanes after tlie flower of the nation’s manhood has gone, and his presentation of the story that was tlie basis of one of the most sensational stage plays of recent times is indeed a memorable achievement. A large cast of favourite players, including George Fawcett, Frank Currier, Karl Dane, Polly Moran, and Ralph Emerson appears in “The Enemy.” A most enjoyable interhide is provided on the evening programmes by the Ten Regent Wonders, a bevy of beautiful girls who perform amazingly tumbling and acrobatic tricks. Interesting supporting films are also shown and tuneful music supplied by the Regent Operatic. Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Arthur G. Frost. At the matinees in the afternoons a bright Christmas pantomime, lattle Red Riding Hood, is staged for the entertainment of the children. The new programme to be presented on Thursday will include “The Drag Net,” a story of the underworld starring George Bancroft, and “Beau Broadway,” the latest Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle comedy-drama.