SOUND PICTURES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 264, 3 August 1929, Page 27

SOUND PICTURES

GRAND OPERA HOUSE BEING EQUIPPED. Williamson Filins (N.Z.), Ltd., which controls the Regent Theatre in Wellington, and has theatres in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Wanganui snd Nelson, has added to its chain of picture-houses by making arrangements to utilise th* Grand Opera House in Wellington as a talking picture house when the theatre is not required for purposes of the legitimate stage. A “Dominion” reporter who interviewed the Regent management yesterday was informed that a full-sized Western Electric talking-picture equipment was being installed at the Grand Opera House, in order to deal with the 1800 seating capacity of the house. It was explained that the Williamson firm throughout the Dominion was maintaining its policy of using entirely Western Electric equipment, whih, though necessitating a larger financial outlay, resulted in the establishment of the best article procurable for the production of sound pictures. The Grand Opera House, it was pointed out; would prove ideal for the production of talking films, as it had been built with special regard for the acoustics demanded for talking and singing on tho legitimate stage, and the sound results should be equal to the best obtainable anywhere. ’ Williamson Films (N-Z.), Ltd., have recently taken over another legitimate nlay-house, the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, and here the advantage of acoustics had been fully demonstrated when sound pictures had been introduced. Another advantage the Grand Opera House will possess is that this popular playhouse has its own following of pations, who for years past have looked to it to supply them with entertainment. Mr. Errol Fuller, late manager of the Regent Theatre, Invercargill, will be the manager of the picture section at the Grand O’rhe Grand Opera Houso will make its debut as a sound motion-picture house on Friday night next, and the event will be fittingly celebrated by the showing for the first time in New Zealand ot the much-talked-of Paramount all-talking and singing production, “Innocents of Paris, featuring the world-famous entertainer, Maurice Chevalier, of the Folies Bergere Theatre, Paris. This famous actor created a sensation when he recently appeared in New York. The New York "Evening Post,” referring to Chevalier s premiere, had the following to say :. He has a charming personality, deligntlul voice, and a dynamic quality like Jqlson at his best” "Innocents of Pans, is a gripping story of theatrical life in the French capital. Sylvia Beecher is said to be wonderful in the stellar role, and David Durant does remarkable work in a b °'TheTddition of ths Grand Opera House to their chain of theatres has enabled Williamson Films (N.Z.), Ltd., to purchase the cream of future sound releases. A particularly strong line of great pictures is to come to the Grand Opera House, and the public are assured of the best entertainment offering at present.