NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 994, 10 June 1930, Page 15

NEW REGENT

TWO FINE TALKIES Marion Davies’s cyclonic personality in “Not So Dumb,” her new Metro - Goldwyn-Mayer all-talking picture, at the New Regent Theatre, makes this characterisation by far tho most delightfully humorous she has achieved. The role of the blundering heroine, Dulcy, is ideal for Miss Davies and, had it not been created for a stage play some years ago, it could be very plausibly assumed it had been written just for her. Miss Davies endows the character with a deft sympathy that will make you feel sorry for her, even while you will be laughing at her consistent bungling and awkwardness. Elliott Nugent, erstwhile stage star, plays opposite Miss Davies as the young man who wants to marry her, but finds it difficult to keep her from running and ruining his business affairs. Raymond Hackett, who won fame in the stage and screen versions of “Tho Trial of Mary Dugan,” plays thO part of Miss pavies’s brother. Not the least of the comedy honours goes to Donald Ogden Stewart, noted humorist, who plays the part of the lunatic who imagines he has billions and is very willing to spend them. The second picture at the Regent, “The Awful Truth,” is a human, compelling, dramatic story of love and marriage, subtly told, a strangely appealing theme that will find an echo in every heart, and an all-dialogue picture of surpassing beauty and charm. It is a picture story that will find its counterpart in every home, be it that of prince or pauper—a theme that proves that love must be founded on confidence, forbearance and understanding. 'if it hopes to endure. One of the most spectacular techni- ! colour scenes ever filmed was staged i for Met ro - G old wyn - Mayer’s “Chasing Rainbows,” coming to the New Regent Theatre on Friday next. A dancing and singing ensemble of two hundred persons participated in this splashing finale number. The scene, staged by Sammy Lee and directed by Charles F. (Chuck) Riesner, was built about tho song hit, “Happy Days Are Here Again,” written for the musical comedy production by Jack Yellen and Milton Ager. Charles King and Bessie Love, the principals, -sing and dance the number with members of the supporting cast. Marie Dressier. Folly Moran, Jack Benny. George K. Arthur. Eddie Phillips and Youcca Troubetskoy, tailing bows before the final curtain. The scene is presented with vivid colours, the motif being Parisian Montmarte with the girls dressed in colourful and voluminous skirts that swirl and the boys clad in military uniforms.