“PEACOCK ALLEY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 926, 20 March 1930, Page 14

“PEACOCK ALLEY”

FILM OF GORGEOUS FASHIONS AT ROXY AND EMPRESS A picture, that for gorgeous frocking and colour will compare with any presented in Auckland recently, was presented at the Roxy Theatre to a fairly large audience last evening. The star is the beautiful actress, Mae Murray, who will be remembered by Auckland theatregoers for her work in “The Merry Widow” and other outstanding roles. THE story deals with the private lives of the more exclusive society habitues in a large American city, with Miss Murray in the role of a wealthy heiress, much courted but remaining aloof. In this role she has the opportunity of wearing some remarkable fashion creations, all of which drew unstinted admiration from the audience present last evening. They were undoubtedly beautiful and striking. Many of the more spectacular scenes are in colours, enhancing to a high degree their richness. There is considerable music played during the course of the plot, such as dance orchestra music, and there is also a number of vocal selections interwoven with the plot. It must not be thought, however, that “Peacock Alley” is all spectacle and colour, although these features are undeniably impressive, but a great part of the charm of the film comes from the entertaining story, which is unfolded with gaiety and freshness. Miss Murray is supported by a strong cast, particularly rich in handsome young men. “Peacock Alley” will be presented at the Roxy Theatre during the coming week, and from today will also be presented at the Empress Theatre, Newton. At both theatres an enjoyable programme of short talking and singing featurettes is being presented . GRAND THEATRE Some very real problems of modern life are dealt with in “Women They Talk About,’* the main feature of the programme now at the Grand Theatre. The treatment is fearless and daring throughout. The cast has been selected with extreme care, each of the principals filling a role eminently suited to his or her talents. The main role is played by Irene Rich, who will be remembered for her work in “The Idle Rich** and a number of other successful productions. She gives an admirable portrayal of the charming and vivacious heroine, a young lady with an intensely modern outlook on life and an entire disregard of public opinion. Some good supporting features are shown.