The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7199, 23 April 1930, Page 9

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

Such perfect screen material as “The Last of Mrs. Chcyncy; ” known in every corner of the English-spoaking world, with such a ' star as Norma Shearer and such'famous stage stars as Basil Rathbone,' George Barraud, Herbert Bunston, George K. Arthur, Maude Turner, etc.—all- Metro-Goldwyn-May cr’s to command —and Sydney Franklin to direct, is a joy for every picturegoer. ! Screening at the Palace on Saturday, this is the story of a lady adventurer who poses as a wealthy Australian widow and manoeuvres her way- into the upper crust of English society. Her retinue of polished servants are, in Teality, a gang of thieves —the perfect butler,.her constant inspiration. Their chance of successful -looting depends

entirely on the poise, beauty and skill of “the charming Mrs. Cheyney.” Not only the young bloods lay their hearts at. her pretty feet; old Lord Elton, a perfect gentleman, but one not quite at home with the ladies, particularly .young charmers, writes his proposal at a week-end. country house party. That night Mrs. Webley’s expensive pearls disappear, and the thief ,is about to throw them to her “butler,’ ’ who,, is waiting in tho garden below, when young Lord Dilling catches her by the hand and leads her back to her room. Furious to discover, that the woman he loves, but who for his own sake has treated him with frigid aloofness, is merely a crook, he foolishly vows to ; stay in he,r .room as the price of his i silence; but sho loves him and, rattier than see him descend to her level, she l

I.' • gives the alarm. The commotion brings all tjie guests to the room and Dilling sportingly states that ho has been guilty of ungentlemanly conduct towards Mrs. Chcyncy. Tho horror of those assembled is succeeded by blank amazement when Mrs. Cheyney admits having stolen ' Mrs. Webley’s pearls—not without Lord Dilling discovering her. Mrs. Wcblcy demands that the police be called in at once, but; Lord Elton suggests sleeping on tho problem. At breakfast he confesses to having proposed to Mrs. Chcyncy in writing, and furthermore that he had written his private opinion of all the guests in the same letter. The furore is abated by the possibility of Mrs. Cheyney accepting £SOO. Charles, alias tho butler, boosts it to £15,000. There is a panic.. But Elton has no option to avoid an unprecedented scandal. Then Mrs. Chcyncy tears the cheque into tiny pieces. Dilling realises at last that his love is fully reciprocated and suggests that this incident be the last of-Mrs. Cheyney and the beginning of Lady Dilling. She agrees.

Here’s the perfect story written by a master of entertainment, with a world-favourite star, a high-priced cast, a wizard of a director and the last word in production. <s> <S> . <s> <s> “The Maid of the Mountains” will probably bo tho first of the musical plays to be revived by the Williamson management in Melbourne, with Miss Gladys Moncrieff in tho leading role. Mr. Lance Fairfax will play the part originated here by Mr. Robert Chisholm and the comedy will be In the capable hands of Messrs. Gus Bluett and Cecil Koliaway. Mr. John Ralston will also be in the cast.