GRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 20, 14 April 1927, Page 15

GRAND

‘THE ROAD TO MANDALAY” An intensely dramatic story, “The Road to Mandalay,” commences showing at the Grand Theatre on Saturday. Lon Chaney, as Singapore Joe, again demonstrates his remarkable ability in the art of make-up. His characterisation is grotesque and enthralling, and by a jealous!;, -guarded secret he has marvellously produced the effect of being blind in one eye. In spite of his occupation and sinister appearance he gains sympathy because of his tender love for his daughter, who Keeps a bazaar in Mandalay. The girl, played by Lois Moran, is exquisitely beautiful, and is watched over by a kindly old priest, Henry B. Walthall. The girl is loved by a renegade naval officer, a role in which Matt Moore is exceptionally well cast. It develops that Singapore Joe is the father of the heroine, and he prevents the match and kidnaps the young officer. The girl follows him to Singapore, where she is in danger from a Chinese, but her father, in a thrilling scene, saves her. Later, a fight occurs, and the girl, not knowing her father’s identity, stabs him to save her lover. In a touching and pathetic scene, the weird master of the underworld passes away, never disclosing his identity to his daughter, but leaves the young couple to future happiness. The atmosphere of the story has been accurately caught, and strict attention has been paid to detail. All the roles are well handled, the work of Henry B. Walthall as the priest being second only to that of Chaney. In addition to “The Road to Mandalay,” good supporting pictures will be shown.