NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 598, 26 February 1929, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGH” The age-old barrier to love—that of the passing years—is the basis of the most startling film drama of the years, and Lon Chaney, portrayer of strange characters, has in it a vehicle that reveals more hidden facts of the gem of his artistry than any other play in which the famous star has appeared. J-his play is “Laugh, Clown, Laugh,” Herbert Brenon’s latest directorial feat, and one of Chaney’s greatest triumphs. The new Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer spectacle, now playing at the -New Regent Theatre, has in it so many remarkable features that, in describing it, one wonders where to commence. Bren on took the original Italian version of the gripping drama of the clown who became the idol of kings; of the waif he befriended, loved with a poignant passion—and surrendered for her own happiness in the great climax of the astounding play. Chaney plumbs the depths of human anguish on one hand—on the other he stages a comedy which proves him perhaps one of the greatest comedians, when necessary, on the screen. The story has spectacle, thrills, laughs, romance, and a gripping dramatic theme that strikes the consciousness like a thunderbolt. It has everything a play can have.

Loretta Young, Herbert Brenon’s screen Cinderella, proves as talented as she is beautiful, and Nils Asther, the young {-Swedish artist, is an actor of consummate skill. Bernard Siegel, as a foil to Chaney, contributes a well-balanced performance and Cissl Khz-Gerald offers somo clever comedy. Gwen Lee is beautifully convincing as Diane.

The excellent supporting programme is headed by the appearance of Alec Began, a talented English comedian, who sings a number of songs, including “Laugh, Clown, Laugh.”

Mr. Maurice Gutfcridge leads the Regent Operatic Orchestra, and also plays “In a Monastery Garden” on the Wurlitzer organ.

William Haines’s legion of admirers will find a new Haines in “Excess Baggage,” the next attraction at the Nev Regent, and will applaud him for a masterly portrayal of a great role. He won his glowing reputation as a cheeky and irrepressible youth in “West Point,” “Spring Fever,” “The .Smart Set” and “Telling the World”; but in the new picture he plays the role of a vaudeville artist who, because his young wife joins the movies and becomes a star to help him, finds an inevitable obscurity which leads in the end to anguish and dramatic misunderstanding. The second big feature on Thursday will be “Honour Above All.” starring Beatrice Joy and Xils Asther.