REGENT THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 58, 12 March 1929, Page 5

REGENT THEATRE.

How small-time vaudeville artists eventually wiiv their way to "big time" is the plot of "Excess Baggage," featuring' William Haines at the Regent Theatre this week. Haines, as Eddie Kane, performer in a small troupe, marries his partner, Josephine Dunn. The wife finds herself to be merely "Excess Baggage" in her husband's act, and when she is given an opportunity for screen success takes advantage of it. Without hor, Kane finds tiiat he can no longer do bis dangerous act, which was just to earn him fame and fortune on the "big time," and he, in his turn, becomes "Excess Baggage." A year later both partios meet in New York City and work out their problem in an exciting and novel manner. The resulting picture Is real screen entertainment of tho very highest order. The second feature subject Is "The Bushranger," which has special interest by reason of tho fact that Dale Austen ("Miss New Zealand, 1927") Is in the cast. The story depicts with fidelity the stirring busuranghig days in Australia. The final appearance of Gautier'a dogs will take place to-morrow night. A return season of Alec Regan, tho popular singer, takes place on Wednesday next.

Unexcelled acting and a story of lovo, intrigue, and sacrifice combino to make "Tho Woman' Disputed," Norma Tahnadgo's latest production, a big picture. It will commenco 0110 week's season at the Regent Theatre, commencing next Friday. Tho story opens in a gay Austrian town before the war. Two young men officers in the Austrian and Russian armies form a real affection for a girl whose life up until the time she meets them is v sordid one. - The trio is happy together until both men realise they love the girl, then with tho outbreak of war comos separation, the girl's acceptance of one of tho men, tho shattering of friendships, hatreds, and tho dofeated lover's opportunity for revenge. Mary Ann Wagner, a woman \yllh a soul, is played sublimely by Miss Talmadge. Sharing honours with tho star in thi3 spectacularly filmed story are many fine actors. Gilbert Holand, tho young Spaniard who within a year has risen to world fame as 11 portrayer of romantic roles, is leading man. Arnold Keut, as the second lover, runs Roland a close second. .Others who score in "Tho Woman Disputed" are Michael Vavitch Gustax Yon Seyftertitz, Boris de Fas, and Gladys Brockwell.

"THE VAGABOND KING" TO-NIGHT. , . Ono of the most important theatrical events which havo happened in Wellington for many years past will be the representation here toninlit at the Grand Opera House, and for a season of nine nights and ono mat nee, by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management, of the musical play "The Vagabond King," which recently terminated a successful season tabyaney. The music of "The Vagabond King is by Rudolph Frlnil, composer of _ Koso Marie," and the lyrics are by Brian Hooker. "The Vagabond King" belongs to tho category of romantic musical drama, and is taken from "If I Were King," Justin M'Carthy's story of Francois Villon and King Louis XI. of France. As a play it was first done by Sir George Alexander at the St. James Theatre, London. Possessing the charms of tuneful music, picturesque dressing, and a definite romantic plot, "The Vagabond King" has proved a record-breaker in England, America, and Australia. Tho character of Francois Villon will be portrayed hero by Mr. James Liddy, who achieved a triumph in "Tho Student Prince," and Miss Strella Wilson, the charming soprano, will appear as Katherlne. The cast also includes Arthur Stigant, Cecil Kelleway, Arthur Greenaway, Lou. ,Verhon, Arthur Mayes, Russell Scott, George Conyngham,- and tho chorus numbers sixty poople. There will bo a full orchestra, and the production itself, it Is said, will surpass "Bose Mario," "The Maid,of the Mountains," and similar performances. Only a limited number of performances can be staged of "The Vagabond King," as It is due to be staged in Melbourne (luring Easter Week. The box plans are at Tho Bristol, and day sales at tho Opera Houso Confectionery.