STRAND THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12609, 20 November 1926, Page 7

STRAND THEATRE

“WANDERING FOOTSTEPS” AND “THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT.”

Few character actors on the screen have won the unstinted plaudits that have been aocorded to Alec B. Francis, who appears in one of the dominant rqles in the newest Banner production, “Wandering Footsteps,” which commenced screening at the Strand Theatre yesterday. His selection to interpret the character of the old derelict who develops into a suave gentleman is surely a happy one.

The story makes nq attempt to handle a problem in a serious manner, but in spite of the levity with which it is related, there is to be found in its scenes an abundance of epigrams and clever, unobtrusive flicks of the foibles of men and women —reformers in particular. Its chief motive, however, is entertainment, and it is a very satisfactory production for that purpose. Interpreted in the main by Alee B. Francis, Estelle Taylor, and Bryant Washburn, it is a tale of wealth burdened youth and a poverty burdened man, both of whom are seeking the primrose highway out of their troubles. It opens with a deliciously clever scene between the two at their first meeting, when both are “half over seas.” The youth, while drunk, adopts tho man, in the same condition, as a father, and takes him aboard bis private yacht which is full of guests, before either recovers his sobriety. What follows constitutes drama of the highest order. The second attraction, “The Eleventh Corqmandment,” tells of a woman who refused to be chained to shibboleths and outworn conventions Ruth Burchester, who left her home because she believed in life and humanity, and who went back to play sinner to her sister’s saint. Such is the compelling character played by Fay Compton. This picture is produced by George A. Cooper.

Others in the cast are: Stewart Rome, Lilian Hnll-Davis, Jack Hobbs, Charles Qimrtcrmaine, Bryan Ahern, Louis Hampton, and Dawson Millward. The supporting films include a comedy, gazette, and scenic.