THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20422, 1 March 1930, Page 12

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

REGENT'S BIG PRESENTATION GLORIA SWANSON'S REMARKABLE SUCCESS The llegent Theatre has presented some ot the finest talkie successes heard in 'Dunedin, and ‘The Trespasser,’ which had its premiere yesterday afternoon and last night, yields place to none ol thorn. lor sheer dramatic value, remarkable emotional acting, and human appeal, it is a picture comparable with the best shown in Dunedin for a very long time past. And the outstanding feature or a wonderful picture ol mother lovo is the magnificent acting of -Miss Gloria Swanson, whose talents as an emotional actress were never seen to better advantage. The theme of the story is no new one, but the story ol mother love, sacrifice, and heart-breaking disappointment* has just those different little twists which make it a picture a long way above the ordinary. Marion Donnell, a business girl, marries the son of John Merrick, a multi-millionaire, but the father of her husband makes a successful attempt to estrange the young couple. The girl later becomes involved in the cruel gossip of New York papers through her efforts to give her young son the chance in life that she desired him to have. In desperation she calls upon her former husband, who has since married again, for assistance, only to find that she is in danger of losing her child. Then when Jack Merrick’s second wife, a cripple as the result of a motor accident, offers to sacrifice her happiness' by giving . Jack up, Marion rises to the occasion and decides to allow her son to have the opportunities in life he would receive as the grandson of John Merrick. Ultimately, the tangle is sorted out happily, but to the very end the audience is kept guessing as to the outcome.

Pathos, intermingled with delightful touches of whimsical humour, makes this picture the production it Is. Its hum aii appeal cannot Jail to attract, and the acting and'splendid speaking of Gloria Swanson will not readily be forgotten. She reaches great heights in the emotional scenes, but her remarkable versatility is indicated by the flashes of humour she shows, though at time does slve lose her sense of dignity, or her charm. Her enunciation is perfect, and one of the most enjoyable features of tho production was Miss Swanson's singing of Toselii’s ‘ Serenade ’ and ‘Love’ (which was specially written for her), _ She is a cultured soprano with a voice of pure quality, there being no doubt that her performance in tho leading role stands out as one, of the epics of the talking pictures. Robert Ames was well cast opposite the star, and William Holden played the part of the rather forbidding father. Though playing a somewhat minor part, Henry JB. Walthall acted in that polished manner ( which made him the greatest character on tho screen a few years ago. The remainder of the cast is equally well cast, and ‘ The Trespasser/ though a poignant and gripping picture, never becomes morbid. It is a drama that should make a lasting impression on all who see it, and one that may be placed in the same class as ‘ Interference/ ‘Madame X/ and similar films.

With such a pi ten re on the bill, it might be expected that the supports would scarcely be so satisfying, but though ' Madame Q ’ was a rather weak attempt at comedy, the remainder of the programme was of a most enjoyable nature, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer News being an exceptionally interesting review of world’s events. A New Zealand scenic, ‘The Hermitage at Mount Cook,’ proved most interesting, affording as it did an idea of the glorious scenery and alpine delights that are within such easy reach of New Zealand’s large cities. Marion Harris,, an American jazz singer, renders ‘ He’s Mine, All Mine,’ and not the least enjoyable portion of the programme was the overture 'Parade of Wooden Soldiers’ (Jessel). ,‘Rio Rita,’ which is to be screened next week, promises to be a masterpiece, and during the intermission two of the musical selections from this wonderful production were given—‘ Sweetheart, We Need Each Other’ and ‘ You’re Always in My Arms.’ The cntr’act was ‘ Pique Dame’ (Suppe). The programme will bo repeated to-uight and during the week.

STRAND TALKIES ‘ INTERFERENCE • THE CURRENT ATTRACTION ‘lnterference,’ the superb talkie, which set a high standard in talking pictures when it was first released here nob long after the talkies were introduced, is the latest feature at the Strand Theatre. William Powell, Clive Brook, Doris Kenyon, and Evelyn Blent are starred. With such a cast to enact it, practically auv story would make good entertainment, but ‘lnterference,’ besides ’ oing presented by some of the screen’s best players, is a story which has a gripping interest from start to finish. Briefly, it concerns Deborah Kane and Philip Voaze. who is a suave roue. For a time he is faithful to Deborah, but, meeting Faith, be falls in love with her and marries her. His dissolute habits kill her love for him, and when ho goes to the war and is reported to have been killed she marries Sir John Marlay. One day, at a memorial service to the men who foil in, the regiment to which Philip belonged, Deborah sees him and follows him home. Ho insults her openly, though she tells him she still loves him, and he tells her that Philip Voaze is dead, and that ho is now living under an assumed name. Philip is ignorant of his wife’s second marriage and her whereabouts, and, for revenge. Deborah blackmails Faith, who, rather than let her husband know that she is a, bigamist, pays. Sir John is a specialist, aid Philip calls at in’s office for a physical examination. There lie is astounded to meet Faith. Tlie story reaches a dramatic climax, in which grim tragedy plays a large part. Powell has become well established as a favourite on the talking screen, as has Brooks. Both players are scion at their best in ‘ (ntolerance.’ Evelyn Brent and Doris Kenyon are also well known to picture theatre patrons, and the remainder of the cast lias been well chosen. A full supporting entertainment is provided by short talkie subjects.

KING EDWARD The programme at tin? King P.dward Theatre consists of two silent-featuro films nnd a supporting bill ol’ excellent “shorts." Thomas Meigan is seen in the leading role in the chief attraction, ‘ We’re All Gamblers,’ and Milton Sills is starred in the other picture, ’The (’rash,’

TALKIES AND ORGAN FAREWELL PROGRAMME BY MR HARVEY An uproarious farce, providing entertainment guaranteed to dispel the deepest gloom. ‘Embarrassing Moments,’ the attraction at the Empire Theatre, continues to receive strong public support. In the principal role Reginald Denny, who in silent films was acclaimed as a comedian of more than considerable worth, acquits himself in such a manner as to increase his already large section of admirers. Playing opposite_ to him, Merna Kennedy enacts a difficult role with refreshing delicacy, whilst William Austin and Otis Harlan contribute largely to the success of the production. The story concerns a girj who, coming back to her home town after attending an art school in New York, is met by the whole township, including her lather, her fiancee, and the latter’s mother. During the evening, when her homecoming is being celebrated her friend Mae turns on the wireless, and the strains of a New York orchestra playing a familiar dance tune inspire her to commence a modern dance. The villagers are all thoroughly shocked, with the result that she hands back the young man his ring. When her father presses her for an explanation she invents a story of another man in New York, and, on being questioned as to his name, states that ho is called Thaddeus Cruickshank. By a stroke of coincidence a man by that name is discovered living , in New York, and then complications of a most humorous and apparently hopeless nature arise.

Mr Leslie V. Harvey’s farewell programme easily takes pride of place in the remainder .of the entertainment. His organ items are Liszt’s 1 Hungarian Rhapsody. No. 2’ ‘l’m Painting the Clouds With Sunshine.’ and the Hawaiian farewell, ‘Aloha Oe.’ _He is also heard in a number of piano solos, including ‘ Rustle of Spring ’ (Binding), a medley of popular airs, and ‘ Softly Awakes My Heart ’ (from ‘Samson and Delilah’). Talking featurettes are also screened.

‘ FLIGHT ’ HAS EXTENDED SEASON AVIATION TALKIE AT OCTAGON ‘Flight’ has proved so popular with picture patrons that it has been decided to show it for a further term at the Octagon Theatre. There is no question but that ‘Flight’ is amongst the most interesting and most attractive motion pictures that have been screened in Dunedin. The plot contains novelty and covers a big field. It contains a great deal of thrilling action, and there is a realism about what is seen which makes tho picture more than ordinarily acceptable. The story deals with Lefty Phelps, who, after a none too brilliant career at college, joins the aviation section of the United States Marine Corps. His career as a pilot is cut short. ( as on his first solo flight he crashes and injures himself, and is forthwith struck off the list of prospective aviators. However, Panama Williams, Ids sergeant, has faith in him, and takes Lefty as his mechanic on an expedition to Nicaragua to quell an out law rising. Tho two become firm friends. They fall in love with Eleanor, a pretty nurse, who reciprocates Lefty’s affections. Panama becomes jealous, and the friends fall out. During hostilities with the outlaws tho plane carrying Lefty crashes. Panama learns of Lefty’s‘plight, overcomes his jealousy, rescues Lefty, and is slightly wounded. So Lefty pilots the plane back to headquarters, and proves himself a very capable pilot. The supporting bill consists of a Fox Movietone News, an Australian talkie gazette, and scenes depicting a tour through Hollywood.