NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 654, 4 May 1929, Page 14

NEW REGENT

THE BELLAMY TRIAL’’ i A number of varied and interesting mms make up the all-"talkie” programme now at the New Regent Theatre. The first part of the entertainment consists of world-famous vaudeville acts presented as "talkies,” and then there is the sensational raur- ! der and mystery drama, "The Bellamy Trial.’* The first item is by the well-known Irish-American singer. Joseph Regan. who sings “Mary Ann" and "Beloved.* Every note is heard as clearly as though the singer was actually on the stage. The next item is by a popular : American pianist, Vincent Lopez, whose solos record -wonderfully well. Other items are by Barnum and Bailey, two very humorous black-face Comedians, and two delightful songs are by Ella Shields,, "If You Knew Susie'* and "Just Another One/* As the beautiful murder defendant in "The Bellamy Trial,” the "Talkie” picture which is the main pictorial attraction, Beatrice Joy makes her debut as a "Talkie’* star. In this mystery drama Miss Joy acquits herself with a splendid performance that showed her great appreciation of. t,he dramatic values of the part. Margaret Livingston is the woman whose murder provides the mystery plot. Betty Bronson is a reporter, as :is Edward Nugent, a new screen * find.” Charles B. Middleton and Charles Hill Mailes, two sterling veterans of the stage, appear as rival ' la wyers. The plot of "The Bellamy Trial” is a most unusual one. and the whole picture is an outstanding screen achievement.

STRAND “STREET ANGEL” The talkie and musical synchronised programme at the Strand Theatre continues to attract crowded houses. To support "Street Angel,” a splendid budget of short sound films has been chosen. That which probably attracts most interest is “His Majesty : the King.” in which George V. is seen | and heard at the opening of the famous i New castle-on-Tyne bridge. George , Bernard Shaw, the outstanding dra- ; matist of modern times, has also made a short talking subject. This film was made in the garden of Mr. Shaw’s own home, and Mr. Shaw is first heard walking along the garden path; he then walks in front of the camera and speaks. Gertrude Lawrence, the fascinating English comedienne, is seen and heard, and an alltalking comedy starring Chic Sale is presented. The bill is complete with a Fox Movietone Gazette. 1 Then comes “Street Angel,” the Fox j Films production, in which Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell (the stars of [ "Seventh Heaven”) appear together in principal roles for the second time. Miss Gaynor is a waif of the wharves, | who joins a small travelling circus to free herself from the persecution of the | Neapolitan gendarmes, and Farrell ap--1 pears as an itinerant Italian artist, who, j enamoured by her charm, follows her ; about the country side. The picture 1 has a synchronised musical score, j played by the orchestra of 110 performers at the Famous Roxy Theatre, \ New York.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S “MARQUIS PREFERRED” The latest and most delightfully amusing comedy by Adolphe Menjou is ‘Marquis Preferred,” now at the Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres. The story commences when debts overwhelm the Marquis d’Argenville. His creditors bear down on him, and he agrees to let his tailor, his valet, and a chef form a corporation for the purpose of promoting a rich marriage for him. Then he sees Peggy Winton, social secretary to a family of enormously wealthy tourists, and, posing as a clerk in a book store, manages to become acquainted with her. In a week they are madly in love. Meanwhile, the three schemers discover that Peggy’s employer has a wealthy daughter, and they arrange for the marquis to meet the family. The scheme progresses nicely until the schemers find out about the love affair with Peggy, and. afraid that it will spoil their plans, tell her the whole scheme. Heartsick. Peggy spurns the marquis, but the family refuses to let her resign. A year later he is a clerk in a book store. Peggy finds him there, relents, and they face happiness at last. The second big picture at both theatres is “Eileen of the Trees.” an engrossing romance filled with thrilling moments, revealing life in the I.ondon mews, and an aristocratic mansion. The beautiful English actress. Anny Ondra, has the leading role, and is supported by William Freshman.