“FOUR WALLS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 589, 15 February 1929, Page 15

“FOUR WALLS”

BIG REGENT PROGRAMME STAGE AND SCREEN BILL Another of those attractive Regent stags and screen programmes made its lirst appearance last evening. Two good pictures—one a really outstanding production—were supported by short subjects and a delightful tabloid concerto by Russo and Bradford, grand opera singers from J. C. Williamson’s Australian circuit. Again it was proved that the facilities of the Regent ana tne resourcefulness of its management makes possible the presentation of a polished show which slips along on oiled wheels from tlio overture to the fina.l march out. there are no deiuys and no repeats. Mr. Maurice Guttridge's orchestra opens with a crisp selection which precedes an entirely satisfying budget of •urns, following the final close-up tlie screen disappears lor an interval and the curtain rises to disclose a beautifully appointed setting lor the stur vocalists of tlio week. Miss Lynder Bradford has a clear flexible mezzo-soprano voice of true quality and tireless range. Signor UUaluo Russo, once a member of the fciistine Choir, is a, baritone with a voice of velvet quality and typically Italian timbre. Their duet work is remarkably effective—excellently balanced and beautirulJy blended, and the operatic selections were easily the best of their latest repertoire. A brilliant and forceful duet from "Verdi’s "Ernani” was the opening number and Signor Russo followed with “Chanson,” in which lie employed lighting and incidental effects to considerable advantage. “Just a Memory,” a sentimental duet in which Miss Bradford supplied the pianoforte accompaniment, was a contrasting number, and Miss Bradford gave "Mighty j Lak’ a Bose” with colourful shadings. Eleanora’s and the Count of Lumas's duet from "In Trovatore” was the final number, in which the vocalists were at their best. An encore was given to an insistent audience. “Four Walls” is a conventional story of a criminal’s reformation, but it has ono or two novel twists, and the acting of John Gilbert raises it to the level of productions which should not be missed. Benny is a gang leader who receives a term of imprisonment for shooting a man, following a quarrel about a woman. lie returns to his mother, determined to “go straight,” but old associations prove too strong, and lie becomes embroiled in another affray at a dubious party. Ho is saved by Bertha, a homely girl who loves him, but he cannot return her affection. In the end liis old love announces that she, too. will “go straight,” and the final fade-out leaves the young couple embracing, while Bertha sobs bravely on the shoulder of Benny’s mother. There is plenty of excitement and strong dramatic interest in the photoplay. It is bound to be popular with practically every picture-goer. Joan Crawford is excellently cast as a dan-gerously-alluring cabaret girl, and capable Vera Gordon,” of “Humoresquo” fame, appears as the mother. “The Main Event” is a thoroughly realistic and therefore exceedingly enjoyable story of the padded ring. Boxing pictures are sometimes tinged with sameness, but this is a decided exception. Jolinnie Began, a coming champion, falls in love with the fiance of his opponent, who has been instructed to 1 undermine his constitution with late j nights and parties. She siicceeds. but j discovers, on the eve of the big fight, j that she loves him. She confesses and his fury enables him to win. After the fight lie learns of her repentance and all is well. Vera Reynolds is the girl and Charles Delaney the manly young hero of this well-photographed and care-fully-edited Dc Mille picture. The Regent Orchestra’s entr'acte was “Prelude.” a delightful number, perfectly played. Carmel Myers, a veteran screen actress, is back at Fox Films studio after a lapse of live years. She will play the role of Marie Haley, a girl crook in “The Ghost Talks,” a feature length Foxie-Movietone special. Mitchell Leisen. for years are director for Cecil B. Le Mille, will be chief assistant to Mr. De Mille during the making ofLynamite,” now in production at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. Mr. Leisen will assume the duties of chief assistant and will also j work in close co-operation with Cedric j Gibbons, art director, in planning the elaborate sets of Mr. Le Mille's first talking picture. j