NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 969, 12 May 1930, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN” “The Trial of Mary Dugan,” an alldialogue screen version of Bayard Veil ler’s stage SLiccess of the same name, is now at the New Regent Theatre. Directed by Veiller himself, the film retains all of the elements that made .the drama a* world-wide hit. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that many persons who witness this dialogue film will consider the talking motion picture version of that famous dramatic hit even more effectively thrilling dramatic entertainment than was the original stage play. Except for the opening, it is interesting to note that Mr. Veiiler followed the stage version exactly, in that all the action takes place in the courtroom. There are no flashbacks in the usual movie manner, and the story is* unreeled through the testimony of vari ous characters with amazing emotional effect. Veiller has been quoted as that Norma Shearer did the best work of her career in this picture. There is no question that the playwright had excellent foundations for this assertion. Miss Shearer, in the role created by Ann Harding on the stage, revealed herself as the possessor of an excellent speaking voice and of a rathev unusual beauty of expression. The appeal of her personality never was more irresistible. Raymond Mackett, who plays the young barrister-brother of Mary Dugan, gave a really amazing performance. There is no question that it will make him a most sought after juvenile for the vocal screen. Lewis atone, who figures as Mary Dugan’s first counsel, never acted badly in his life either on the stage or screen. And the same may be said for 11. B. Warner, who plays the district attorney. It seems sufficient, then, merely to note that Warner and Stone did their jobs with their usual intelligence and artistry. A full programme of shorter talkie items is also being presented. PRINCE EDWARD The excellently-varied and most entertaining programme of talking film* presented at the Prince Edward Theatre will be repeated again this evening. There is a double-feature bill, tho two chief attractions being “Caught i:» the Fog,” an exciting mystery tale, and “Alelody Lane.” a tuneful tale of the struggles and loves of a youthful songcomposer in New York. A bright supporting programme is also being shown.