NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18773, 29 July 1924, Page 9

NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

OPENING OF THE REGENT.

AN EPSOM VENTURE.

Tho new picturei theatre at Epsom, known as the Regent, was opened last evening by Mr. G. Lawrence Taylor. The house was packed, and a number of people were unable to obtain admission. Mr. Taylor referred to the remarkable progress of Auckland, as indicated by the tremendous building programme carried out last year.

The Regent Theatre was a thoroughly up-to-date one, he said, and the neighbourhood was to be congratulated on possessing so fine a structure. It was no exaggeration to describe it as one of the best-designed picture houses in Auckland. In one notable respect it stood alone, in that it had been so arranged as to give more space to each patron than was given in any other Auckland picture theatre. There was'seating accommodation for 950 people, for each of whom four and a-fchird square feet of space was allotted. The lessees, Messrs.. Turner and Ford, were to bo complimented on their new house. For the opening programme the management selected the film version of " The Bohemian Girl," and this picture, with a number of oxcellont supporting films, will be shown again this evening and to-morrow evening. For a number of reasons " The Bohemian Girl " is a distinguished production that is worthy attention of the discriminating. It is .a romantic picturisation of a favourite opera, ana it gives prominence to an actor who has recently gained distinction in a new Griffith production—lvor Novello. Gypsy life is alluringly presented. A nest of caravans is the setting for a romantic betrothal scene in which a dark gypsy Queen introduces the intrigue. This and many other picturesque moments show a marked appreciation of Ueauty. The illustration of the " Bohemian Girl's" dream, " I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls," shows a fine taste in settings and the costuming. There are several distinguished namfis in the cast: Gladys Cooper, well-known on the English stage, is a lovely type. Ivor Novello is of the unusually romantic type and is excellently cast. A change of programme will be made on Thursday.