COMEDY SPARKLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 805, 28 October 1929, Page 15

COMEDY SPARKLE

. REGENT’S NEW TALKING PROGRAMME “NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH” Few players can boast of the steady popularity that has been enjoyed by Richard Dix over the past five or six years. His pictures are legion, and always they have been box-office successes, due partly to the vigorous work of the star, arid partly to the fact that invariably he has been given good, wholesome stories. In recent releases he has specialised in comedy, therefore it is fitting that

his first talking film should be of that class. "Nothing but the Truth,” which opened at the Regent on Saturday morning, is fresh, delicious comedy, with a hearty laugh in every scene and a seasoning of sound story interest. Dix’s admirers need have no fears

as to his future in sound and talking productions. He speaks clearly and well with a voice that is typical of the man, or rather of the personality he has built in the public mind during his silent screen days.

“Nothing but the Truth” is one of those light and airy concoctions that seem to have no particular mission save to make one feel the better for digesting and enjoying them. A swift-moving and sparkling little plot tells of four men in a business office, one of whom undertakes to tell ! the whole truth and nothing but the truth for no fewer than 24 hours. A wager is set on the claim, and then the fun starts. Right from the outset the author of the bet is shadowed by his associates, who do all in their power to break hi's resolve. Of course a girl, Dorothy Hall, enters into his scheme of things, and there is a quaint little love story, i told against a background of light and exceedingly palatable humour. Helen Kane is a newcomer to pictures. She is a clever and pretty actress, with a good speaking voice, and her appearance opposite Dix suggests that other parts will be waiting for her in the near future. Wynne Gibson. Dorothy Hall, a young and charming player, and other clever people assist the principals of “Nothing but the Truth.” The direction is neatly effective, and the photography all that could be desired. The talking and sound effects are clear and free from distortion, despite the fact that the camera is allowed more than usual latitude. The scene in which the star is confronted by the angry wife of his senior partner, and asked to tell the whole truth about a rather hectic cabaret party, should not be excellent piece of comedy acting on the part of every member of a strong and carefully suited cast. Supporting the feature picture at the Regent is a short subject programme of more than ordinary interest. Heading the list is a talking Christie comedy, ‘‘Hints to Brides, in which a vouna couple manages to be convenientlv rid of unwelcome wedding presents by securing the sen ices of two burglars.

Then there is a Patlie Sound P.eview —a budget of news items from here and there, including some excellent views of American national affair.,. • Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony is the title of a beautifully-conceived picture tracing the birth of the famous composition. Throughout i - showing the playing of the Unfinished Symphony” forms the th^ e background of the historic little play . Lastlv, there is Mr. Arthur Frost, who plays an overture and several at the Regent organ, rounding off a universal programme m excellent fashion.

Paramount has recently purchased Sir Philip Gibbs’s famous story, "Darkened Rooms.” Cast announcements to date include Evelyn Brent, Neil Hamilton, Doris Hill. David Newell and Oscar Smith. Production is now under way, with Lothar Mendes directing.

"The Lost God,” which is to be I Richard Arlen’s first starring picture for Paramount, is the story of a deep- 1 sea dive*** who gets lost and comes ashore on a tropical island. The picture is now in preparation and pro- | duction will start shortly.