NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 846, 14 December 1929, Page 20

NEW REGENT

GRETA GARBO AND RUTH CHATTERTON Those film fans who have been waiting for another picture with Greta Garbo and Nils Asther romantically paired should be amply repaid in “The Single Standard,"which opens today at the New Regent Theatre as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s newest offering, a hierhlv romantic tale. This filmisation of the sensational Adela Rogers St. John novel is the first appearance of either Miss Garbo or Asther since they scored so well in “Wild Orchids," and it is a happy choice that brings them back in the same picture. Miss Garbo, back from a lengtny vacation in Sweden, gives the finest performance of her career in this glamorous vehicle and, in addition to the handsome Asther, she also has Johnny Mack Brown to share leading man honours. Both Asther and Brown do tremendously fine work in their opposite roles, each splendidly cast and capable of the difficult parts they portray. « The second big attraction at the Regent this evening will be the alltalkie, “The Dummy," which is a succession of thrills and laughs from start to finish. An excellent cast of stage-trained stars enact this comedy melodrama. Ruth Chatterton, who was one of the leading stage stars associated with Emil Jannings in his recent success, “Sins of the Fathers," has proved her ability in talking moving pictures in Paramount’s “The Doctor’s Secret." Fredric March was playing in the stage success. “The Royal Family," when he was induced to accept an important role in “The Dummy." John Cromwell, famous actor, director and producer of stage plays, who will shortly Paramount, is also in the cast. The story of “The Dummy" deals with a group of kidnappers and a smart office boy who outwits them by playing deaf and dumb. It is well handled, Robert Milton being responsible for the direction. A number of entertaining short talkie items will also be shown. Hiues," Two Paramount-Christie talking comedies of outstanding merit are in production at Hollywood. The first of these novelties is an all-talking revue in a negro cabaret with singing and dancing, titled “The Lady Fare." Oetavus Roy Cohen wrote the story. The second is a travesty revival of an early western, featuring Louise Fazenda. It has been titled “Faro Nell, or In Ojld Californy."

‘‘The Bondman,” a picturisation of Sir Hall Cain’s famous novel of the same name, is the feature attraction this week. This British Dominions Film starring Norman Kerry in the title role, and Frances Culyer and Donald McArdle, is the story of two half-brothers whom destiny decreed should meet though half the world apart. At practically the same time each had taken an oath—one on the dagger of vengeance and the other on the cross of repentance. Michael leaves the Isle of Man for an important post in Sicily, leaving behind him his sweetheart. Jason comes to the Isle of Man seeking vengeance and falls in love with Greeba. Michael has not been heard of for three years, and Greeba consents to wed Jason. How the brothers eventually meet —the triumph of repentance over vengeance —makes a stirring story.