RIALTO AND REGENT, EPSOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 14

RIALTO AND REGENT, EPSOM

“THE ACE OF CADS” Adolphe Menjou, that ace of actors, came to the Rialto Theatre last night in a film version of Michael Arlen’s •The Ace of Cads.” Menjou portrays “Beau” Maturin as no other player possibly could have done. The dissolute young Guards lieutenant, who reforms for love of a woman, is betrayed by a false friend, loses her and comes back twenty years later only to kill a second love so that the first may live—becomes an intensely real person in Menjou’s skilful hands. Those who have read Arlen’s story know that it concerns Beau’s love for Eleanour, a beautiful English girl. Basil de Gramercy “frames” Maturin and compromises him in such a way that his sweetheart thinks him unfaithful. Her lack of faith makes the youth forget everything and he soon receives a dishonourable discharge from the regiment. Eleanour marries the other man and Beau goes to Paris —and forgetfulness. Years later, thinking time and the war have healed all scars, he returns. Then what? Director Luther Reed has endowed “The Ace of Cads” with one of the most amazing twists ever seen.

Suffice it to say that Menjou has trumped “The King on Main Street” and “A Social Celebrity” with “The Ace of Cads.” Alice Joyce and Norman Trevor are featured. Forest Halsey wrote the screen play for Paramount.