"THE LAST OF MRS OHEYNEY"— GAIETY DE LUXE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 59, Issue 38, 17 March 1930, Page 2

"THE LAST OF MRS OHEYNEY"— GAIETY DE LUXE.

The Gaiety _de Luxe Tbeatre was filled to capacity on Saturday nigbt for the initial presentation of that delightful comedy, "The Last .of SVlrs Cheyney," which proved one o-f the most perfect productions yet effected on a talkie film. Li the title role is Norma Shearer, whose fame as a screen star is already world-wide and whose position in the hearts of the pictureloving public was still further enhanced hy Saturday night's production. She is delightfully beautiful and is imbued with great talent, charm and also a very attractive spealring voice which is so essential for successful film work. Without doubt this is her finest picture. One of the features of the production was that with the exception of one, Hedda Hopper, every member of the distinguislied cast is British born and to this fact may he attributed the great suecess of the characterisation. The story is built around tlia adventure of a beautiful London society "Raffles," and a member of nobility who loves her, even when slie robs his home. Basil Rath-bo-ne,' beloved by sophisticated stage audiences. makes a happy debut on the talking screen as Lord'Dilling, the handsome philanderer who exposes Mrs Cheyney and later makes amends hy losing his heart and marrying her. George Barraud, already familiar of faee and voice to screen fans, is seen — and heard — as Charles, the suave butler-hurglar. The elaborate supporting cast included George K. Arthur, Herbert Bunston, Hedda Hopper and Cyril Chadwick. "The Last of Mrs Cheyney" lias'been lieralded bv leading trade critics as the most finished all-talking picture to reach the screen. Besides heing a perfect vehicle for Norma Shearer, every factor of good entertainment is triumphantl.v presented — story, star, cast and production. Technically, the picture is a revelation. The way in which the picture was received "bv tlie a-udience augurs exceedingly well for the rest of the season. The house liferally sliook with the merriment that was given vent to inside and the laughter could he heard for a considerable distance. One and all were unanimous in declaring it one of the most enjoyable picture shows over seen, and ranked it on a far higher scale tlian the theatrical production of the same play. For addition to this there_ was_ a delightful lirogramme o-f specially picked "sliorts" including tlie spice of the programme, tlie gazettes, which are always looked forward to by all -fans. In this direction the management has been successful in securing four of the "best." the Metrotone News, Paramount Sound News," "Pathe's Sound News" and "Audo Review," a collection never equalled in the realms of talking pictures. "The Revellers," a famous male quartette, will he heard in several popular numbers. Jan Gerber's celehiHted orchestra will render many of the numbers which has made it famous, while much laughter _ will he ohtained from "Our Gang" in their latest comedy, "Lazy Days," the whole huilding up a night's entertainment "second to none." The hox plans are filling rapidly and all intending patrons are urged to make early application for reserves or arrive at the theatre early. Reservations can also he ohtained by ringing theatre 'ph.one 3809. ,