THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 35, 4 May 1927, Page 15

THE STRAND

“NELSON” “Nelson,” the wonderful British film, recording the life oil England’s great naval hero, has had, and is still having, a most successful season at the Strand Theatre. The quiet dignity, simple manner and indomitable courage of the immortal sailor have been subtly captured by Donald Calthrop. who gives an excellent portrayal. Impressive scenes at the naval engagement of Trafalgar, St. Vincent and the Nile fill the picture with action and colour, and throughout the love interest is kept in view. On the same programme is “Stepping Along.” a laughable Johnny Hines comedy, dealing with the lighter side of American stage life. The Strand Orchestra is responsible for a fine overture and incidental music. STEELE, OF THE ROYAL MOUNTED There are only a few novelists whose stories seem to gain in effectiveness when transferred to the screen. Sabatini is one, and James Oliver Curwood is another. The latest Curwood picture, “Steele, of the Royal Mounted,” to be screened at the Strand on Friday, is full of swift action, vivid characterisation, and the glamour of romantic adventure. It is in the ability to throw a glorious glamour over his stories that puts Curwood in a class by himself In a day when it might be thought that the saga of the Canadian “mounties” had been sung to death, he revives it with a fresh vigour that readily communicates itself to the spectators. The story of “Steele of the Royal Mounted” follows the trail of the lone trooper on the track of the criminal through the perils of the wilderness. It is'an old theme for picture-goers, but, as worked out in this production, it seems amazingly fresh and new. The spectators are held breathless in the big scene, where Steele is dashed helplessly down the roaring rapids to almost certain death.

Bert Lytell, in the role of Steele, dashes through this peril, and others, with a fascinating recklessness that sets the blood tingling. Playing opposite him is the lovely Charlotte Merriam, who an adorable heroine. Stuart Holmes gives another of his memorable “villain” performances. Also screening is ‘The Deserts Toll,” a picture of outdoor adventure.