NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 573, 28 January 1929, Page 15

NEW REGENT

TWO FINE PICTURES A tremendous drama—that was the verdict at the New Regent Theatre again on Saturday night, where Jetta Goudal’s new De Mille star production, “The Forbidden Woman,” is being shown. To say that the audience was thrilled would be glossing the truth. They were electrified. Certainly this is the best picture in which this exotic screen star has been seen since “Three Faces East.” Miss Goudal has the role of-a spy in the pay of the Sultan of Morocco, and to obtain secret information she marries a French officer, portrayed by Victor Varconi. Then enters Joseph Schildkraut on the scene, and, not knowing his relationship to the woman, he falls in love with her, as she does with him. This provokes highly interesting developments, all of which are gripping, to say the least. The finale is logical, though tragic; and all iri all “The Forbidden Woman” has exceptional dramatic power and appeal. It was directed by Paul L. Stein, a German director of international reputation, and he has performed the work with extraordinary skill. The supporting cast is above the average. Against the colourful historic background of Old California, Tim McCoy, in “Beyond the Sierras,” his latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring success, the second attraction at the New Regent, dashes through a romantically thrilling story with the flashing blade and fiery heart of. the cavalier.

The spectacular duelling scenes provide the climax to the gripping narrative of California in the days of the proud Spanish Dons and again emphasised McCoy’s amazing versatility. His acting in the great moments of drama, as well as in the tender love scenes show him a master of characterisation.

The story tells of Don Carlos, a picturesque figure of Old Californian gold rush days, who is deprived of his land by a gang of Yanked land thieves. The Masked Stranger, sent by the Government to protect Spanish landholders, fights the gang in his own way. Don Carlos loses his life, but Rosa, his sister, gives her heart to The Masked Stranger, after complications, when he overcomes the gang. A graceful dancing turn by that world-famous duo, Freddie Hodges and Ivy Towe, and enjoyable music by Air. Maurice Guttridge’s Regent Operatic Orchestra, complete the entertainment.