NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 650, 30 April 1929, Page 19

NEW REGENT

“THE BELLAMY TRIAL” A programme of unique entertainment is being presented at the New Regent Theatre in the “talkies,” the latest and most sensational development of the motion picture industry. The programme is headed by a mystery drama, entitled “The Bellamy Trial,” the latter half of which is a dialogue between the players. The story centres around the murder of Mi mi Bellamy, a young married woman whose husband is suspected of flirting with a Mrs. Ives. Mrs. Ives and Mr. Bellamy are charged with the murder and the first scenes of the picture are in the courtroom. As the different witnesses are called to give evidence, their descriptions are re-enacted. The audience in the theatre learns of the finding of the body and of the visit of Mrs. Ives and Mr. Bellamy to the cottage where the body was found. When the dialogue sequences are heard they give added realism to the courtroom scene. The stumbling evidence of the two accused, and the stern voices of the lawyers charging the jury, are heard as clearly as though the audience were actually in the court. In the final scenes the mystery is cleared up by some unexpected evidence. The chief players are well cast, and have excellent speaking voices as well as screen presence. Beatrice Joy is Sue Ives, and Kenneth Thompson is Stephen. Bellamy. Charles B. Middleton and Charles Hill Mailes. two wellknown stage actors, are the two lawyers. The supporting programme is also of a particularly high standard, and in itself excellent entertainment. Audiences see and hear Ella Shields, the Prince of Wales’ favourite entertainer, in “Susie.” and Joseph Regan, the famous Irish tenor, in “Mary Ann” and “Beloved.” Vincent Lopez, the international jazz band leader, is seated at the piano, and many of the compositions for which he is famed are heard. But the subordinate programme does not end here, for in addition there is a synchronised Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer News. Down in the South Seas where nights are long and langurous and days sun-kissed and climate-blest: where stately palms- stand out invitingly against a heavenly blue sky and riotous flowers grow in gorgeous profusion: where love comes with the suddenness and fiercene f of a tropical hurricane. ... That’s where the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Company actually filmed its la test and most - unusual picture. “White Shadows in the South Seas.” coming to the New Regent Theatre next Thursday. This picture, which is specially sound-synchronised, presents a rare opportunity to take a glamorous motion picture voyage through the South Sea Islands, the garden spot of the world. The audience will see not only nature in her most gorgeous and lav-ishly-beautiful moods, but the thrilling, tempestuous romance of a derelict \Vhite beachcomber and a dusky, alluring and provocative native maiden, and hear the sounds of life on a South Seas isle. Monte Blue and Raquel Torres have the leading z*oles in a cast which includes thousands of . natives. Aside from its scenic splendour and delineation of tribal customs and dances, pearl diving and the ruthless greed of white traders, there is unfolded a drama of love, sacrifice and devotion so rare that it will grip right to the end.