THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19819, 6 January 1930, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

Another stage euccess, Frederick Lonsdale's "The Last of Mrs Cheyney," has been made into a "talkie," and it is being presented at the Theatre Royal this week. It is safe to say that the play has lost. little in this transmigration of eoule, £>nd Christc&urch audiences, who saw the "straight" production when it was presented here by the Ecnee Kelly Company, will be able to, make the comparison for themselves.

The play haa be*n closely followed in the talkie production, in addition to a wider scope being presented to the actors. As Mrs Cheyney, Norma Shearer scores a brilliant euccess, her speaking and acting being beyond reproach. She ehowe a fine interpretation of a woman who, in the midst of the gaiety of social life, carries out a lite of robbery and crime. Yet Mrs Cheyney cannot be disliked, and calls forth sympathy ra'her than reproach even at the time of her denouement ae a society "crook." With ber is Basil Rathbone as Lord Dilling, a determined and reliable aharacter, played with- great success. Lord Dilling, a man usually possessed with what is known as a "way" with" women, makes no apparent impression on Mrs Cheyney until in the last scenes she is willing to show herself as » criminal to save lus reputation.

The picture is an unusual one, and is more appealing- for that reason Lord Dilling and Mrs Cheyney are the outstanding characters, but they are ably supported by excellent acting, on the part of the remainder of the cast There is a vein .of humour runnmtr through the piece which is a welcome diversio'i on several occasions, a great amount of this bein? provided by the eccentric Lord Elton, who becomes deeply and amusingly involved in Mrs Cheyney'e affairs. "The Last of Mr* Cheyney" has come with a "great reputation which the talkie production certainly fulfil". Those who eee it cannot fail to appreciate the advances which have been made in talking films and the splendid acting which is a feature of the play. The , supporting programme includes a News Gazette, a number of _ songs by an American quartette, a short picture entitled "Lazy Days," and orchestral contributions.

DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME.

"THE VERY IDEA" AND "THUNDER." The Theatre Royal management will inaugurate an innovation during the coming, week, when, on Wednesday evening, a gratid double" feature biD "will "be' rre*«nted". The first feature will be a eparkling comedy entitled "The Very Idea," with an all-star cast, and the second will be a stirring drama of railroad life, entitled "Thunder," with Lon Chaney in the "principal role. "The Very Idea" ie a great hit of the talking screen and is founded on Mr Le Baron's Broadway success. The whole laughable comedy is centred around a baby. In "Thunder," Lon Chaney plays a role distinctly different from those to which his admirers have been accustomed. In this fine drama he takes the part of » railway engineer and a gruff, grumpy one at that, his engine and the traditions of the road his religion. "Thunder" ie sound synchronised and this epic of the railway will, no doubt, be well received. Box plans and ararngements are as usual.