ANNIE LAURIE

Evening Star, Issue 20058, 26 December 1928, Page 7

ANNIE LAURIE

OCTAGON THEATRE ATTRACTION The announcement that tile spectacular Mctro-Goldwyu-Mayer production of ‘Annie Laurie ’ is to be screened at tho Octagon 'theatre on Friday next lia.s aroused a great deal of interest. It is doubtful whetli&K anything more appealing and entertaining-has ever been screened before. Never in all her brilliant career has Lillian Gisli had a role so entirely suited to the talent as that of Annie Laurie, tho Scottish Joan of Arc. In this romance she has unprecedented scope for the tenderness, the subtle lure, and the .sincere emotion which she invariably infuses into her roles. rom the first awe-inspiring scene the picture breathes the rugged Highland spirit that has survived the centuries, and reproduces every phase of this story with magnificently colourful realism. The mighty drama of the Highlands, the glorious spectacle of enormous elan gatherings, the personal rivalries, jealousies, and hatreds of Highland chieftains and their clansmen, and last, but not least, every touching phase of the sweetest love story in Scottish history —all arfi presented in a vivid kaleidoscope of magnificent entertainment, authentic to the last detail. The whole picture is a gorgeous piece of entertainment. U combines the romance of fable and song, the surge and thunder of clan and cleavage, and a charming love story. Which aspect of the story it is that holds the most appeal is difficult to say ,tor everybody loves a good fight, and it is said that all the world loves a lover. Certainly ‘Annie Laurie ’ abounds in both. The rivalries and jealousies and bitternesses of the elans Campbell and M‘Dona!d form the basis of many a grim struggle on the hennery hillsides or among the rugged peaks; and a more stirring sight than tho famed “ gathering of the clans ” would be difficult indeed to imagine, and all so realistically produced for this picture by the screen. It is Scotch, certainly, but wonderfully human for the rest of the world, and there are not many people who turn down anything Scotch, when all is said and done.