ROXY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 922, 15 March 1930, Page 14

ROXY

“HIS GLORIOUS NIGHT” Turning abruptly from grim drama, Lionel Barrymore and John Gilbert delve into sparkling comedy for the joining of their talents in the new alltalking feature, “His Glorious Night,” which is now at the Roxy Theatre. This new Gilbert starring vehicle with Barrymore at the directorial helm, is a distinct departure from recent films in which they have participated separately, Gilbert’s last pictures having been “Desert Nights” and “A Woman of Affairs,’ and Barrymore having directed “Madame X” and “The Unholy Night.” “His Glorious Night,” a screen adaptation of the noted Ferenc Molner stage play, “Olympia,” which captivated audiences throughout a London season and a season in New York, brings Gilbert under Barrymore’s direction for the first time, with the exception of a light skit they made with Norma Shearer for “The Hollywood Revue.” It also marks Barrymore’s first essay at the direction of a feature length comedy drama, “Madame X” having been grim tragedy and “The Unholy Night” a mystery play. Catherine Dale Owen, a beautiful blonde stage star, noted for her work on the New York stage, plays opposite Gilbert in the leading feminine role. Others in the cast are Hedda Hopper, Nance O’Neil, Doris Hill, Gustav von Seyffertitz, Richard Carle, Youcca Troubetzkoy and Tyrrell Davis. Several splendid talkie items and a sound gazette are also presented.