NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 849, 18 December 1929, Page 19

NEW REGENT

“THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY” Never before has Greta Garbo seemed so radiantly feminine than as Arden Stuart in “The Single Standard,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer sound synchronised production now playing at the New Regent Theatre, and we are kt a loss to recall any picture in which she eclipsed the power of the role she plays in her new offering. True, she suffers a profound lack of gorgeousness in wardrobe, but makes up for this deficiency with whimsical selfishness in nondescript toggery completely pleasing to the eye and dramatic appetite. Supporting this fine picture is an alltalking comedy-melodrama entitled “The Dummy.” This is the story of outwitting kidnappers, and stars Ruth Chatterton, Frederic March and many other talkie stars. On Friday next the New Regent will present the outstanding talkie production, “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” which is based in the famous play and stars Norma Shearer. Norma Shearer is a notable example of an established screen star who has achieved meteoric fahie as a talking picture star. Always profoundly .admired by motion picture patrons everywhere for her individuality, her beauty and her finished talent, still no one could have suspected the flashing brilliance she would reveal when the talking picture fell to her lot. But in “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” she does not only add to her fine dramatic gifts and charming, distinctive personality, a beautiful voice perfectly reproduced —she achieves a tremendous triumph in one of the most interesting roles the drama has ever given us. Without doubt, she places “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” among the greatest talking pictures so far seen in New Zealand. Basil Rathbone, well-known stage player, who has the leading male role, makes a striking debut to the screen, while George Barraud, who plays the butler-crook, will be remembered for his fine performance in “The Bellamy Trial.” George K. Arthur, who appears in his first talkie role, Cyril Chadwick, Herbert Bunston, Hedda Hopper. Moon Carrol, Madeline Seymour, Finch Smiles and Maude Turner have all been ideally cast, and interpret detail perfect roles. Other attractions on this holiday programme will be the appearance of Jack Lumsdaine. whispering baritone, and the Regent Syncopators. GREY LYNN CINEMA The big all-talking murder-mystery, “On Trial,” will be screened at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening, together with a number of talkie supports. “On Trial” is a particularly exciting story of a murder trial with many scenes inset to illustrate the descriptions of the witnesses. Pauline Frederick has the chief role, supported by Lois Wilson and Bert Lytell. DIXIELAND CABARET The famous Dixieland Dance Band will play selections from its extensive repertoire at the usual mid-week carnival at the Dixieland Cabaret this evening. Dancing will be continued until midnight. '