NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 706, 4 July 1929, Page 14

NEW REGENT

LAST DAYS OF “SHOW PEOPLE”

Only two more evenings remain for Aucklanders to see the amusing picture "Show People,” now at the New Regent Theatre. This unique story is 100 per cent, interesting to picture circles—a most decided change from the ordinary features. Moreover, the appearance of two stars of the calibre of William Haines and Marlon Davies in the two principal roles, plus the appearance of the screen’s greatest stars as listed in the cast, is an achievement which every motion picture fan can, and will, regard as a signal event. Add the fact that "Show People” is set within the actual studios, taking the audience right on the inside of Hollywood, and the outstanding comedy interest, and brilliance of “Show People” manifestly combine to make a picture of unusual interest.

In the second picture, John Gilbert gives a never-to-be-forgotten interpretation of a young Austrian nobleman whom true love redeems from promiscuous-flirtations, some of them involving tragedy. The supporting cast is particularly notable and the production most lavish, introducing some double exposure photography which shows the spectator what the players are actually thinking as well as what they are saying. Charles “Buddy" Rogers turns out to be a versatile entertainer in Paramount’s all-talking and singing comedy-romance, "Close Harmony,” coming to the New Regent on Saturday, for not only does Buddy speak throughout and sing a new song hit, “I’m All-a-Twitter,” but he also performs in convincing fashion on the cornet, saxophone and trombone, not to mention a tune on the piano and a couple of clever stunts at the traps. All this he does, besides making ardent love to Nancy Carroll, who is costarred with him in this gay, thoroughly enjoyable film. That Rogers is a clever musician is probably news to most people, but in Los Angeles he Is well known as a jazz band leader, having performed many times from the stage of the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, and on occasion playing five instruments with his own band. In "Close Harmony,” appropriately enough, he is cast as the leader of a jazz band trying to break into “big time” vaudeville. Of course, he Anally succeeds, thanks to Nancy Carroll, who evolves a plan whereby Rogers gets a chance to fill in on the headliners who come to blows over little Nancy. The headliners, the Harmony Boys, are hone other than the freckle-faced Jack Oakle and Skeets Gallagher, two clever comedians who successfully puli a Van and Schenck act that should please the audience.