NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 789, 9 October 1929, Page 17

NEW REGENT

“MADAME X” "Madame X,” the all-talking version of the famous play of the same name, which is continuing its success at the New Regent Theatre, is the first full length directoral effort of Lionel Barrymore, and owes its modernised dialogue to Willard Mack, recently lured away from the stage to write, direct and act for the vocal screen. Ruth Chatterton, who has the title role, was the first stage star to act for cameras and microphones. Lewis Stone is “Floriot,” the husband of the tragic “Madame X” and Raymond Hackett is Raymond, her son. Much has been said about the novel effects secured by the elder Barrymore brother with the new technique he has evolved for the talking screen. This includes the “lap-dissolve” and other devices evolved by him for speeding up the action. The screen version of this favourite stage masterpiece offers conclusive proof, according to all those who have viewed it, of the superiority of the talking screen over the stage for the presentation of tense drama. The whole story is told in a series of gripping episodes which follow the tragic “Madame X” in her wanderings about the world, showing so much more than is possible on the stage. The talking, singing and dancing featurettes which make up the remainder of the programme include songs by Johnnie Marvin, gramophone recording artist; selections, songs and dances from Joe Spitlaney’s Band; another revue by Gus Edwards in natural colours, and, finally, a Pathe Audio Review. DIXIELAND CABARET Dancing will be enjoyed again this evening at the ever-popular Dixieland Cabaret. The floor is in perfect condition and delightful music will be provided by the Dixieland Dance Band. “Darkened Rooms,” the well-known novel by Sir Philip Gibbs, is being produced by Paramount as an alltalking picture with Evelyn Brent starred in the leading role.