THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 21, 16 April 1927, Page 14

THE STRAND

“THE CALL OF THE WILD”

Another excellent entertainment has been arranged for Strand patrons during the Easter holidays. Two big pictures made from two famous novels form the chief pictorial attractions. They are Jack London’s most popular story, “Call of the Wild,” and Kathleen Norris’s “Rose of the World.” Both children and “grown-ups” will find this an ideal programme. “Rose of the World,” has been termed by reviewers in other cities as one of the most powerful romances ever screened, depicting the colour and drama in the everyday problems of real people. A brilliant cast headed by Miss Patsy Ruth Miller, and including Alan Forrest, Pauline Garon, Rockliffe Fellowes, Alec Francis and Helen Dunbar, portray the leading characters, in the picture. The story concerns the romance of Rose Kirby (Patsy Ruth Miller) and Jack Talbot (Alan Forrest) which is wrecked by the machinations of his mother (Helen Dim bar) who arranges his marriage to Edith Rodgers (Pauline Garon), a girl in his own set. Rose vows revenge when Jack jilts her, and lives only to make him as miserably unhappy as she has been, until she finds that her love is stronger than her desire for revenge. Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild is a favourite book all the world over, and for that reason its picturisation should be of particular interest. The picture and story tell of the return of a big St. Bernard dog, Buck, to the primitive after it is stolen from a country estate in Ca.liforni^,. The thief takes the dog to Alaska during the gold rush and attempts to train him as the husky dogs of the North are trained —with a club. This is not successful and he sells the dog to another man, who trains the animal with kindness rather than force. When his master is killed Buck is left alone and he gives in to the call of the wild strain in his blood and mates with a wolf. The story closes with J3uck at the head of a pack of wolves that are the terror of the Yukon region.

Owing to the great popularity of the Harris family, which charmed Strand audiences last week with their whirlwind harmony, the management has engaged them for another week. They will present an entirely new programme in which 20 musical instruments will be used. There will be all sorts of comedy stunts and vocal numbers, as well. This talented family are on a world tour and they have left a long trail of happy memories wherever they have been. Everybody loves Mildred, typical of English beauty and charm; Connie, the budding comedienne, who gives the entertainment plenty of “pep.” Then there are Jack and Les, the two brothers, who sing and handle the jazz instruments with such mastery. “Father” comes last, but this perhaps is because he is most important. He directs the show, and takes an active part in the performance.

SUNDAY CONCERT To-morrow evening the theatre will open its first Sunday concert at which a high-class programme of vocal and instrumental items will be rendered by leading artists. The Strand will open every Sunday evening staging regular high-class Sunday concerts.