THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 73, 17 June 1927, Page 15

THE STRAND

HUMPHREY BISHOP CO. This popular English company will commence its return and farewell season at the Strand Theatre to-day, commencing- at the matinee, and will appear twice daily. Among the many items worthy of special mention in tonight’s big programme are “Watchman,” a delightful duet by Walter Kingsley and John Montfort. The latter will also be heard in association with Thelma Trott in a new duet, “I’ll Forget You,” and Mr. Kingsley will sing as a solo "South of Shanghai” and “O Western Wind.” “Scratcher” Ross will present for the first time here his latest absurdity, “Trial Turns,” while Arthur Hemsley, who appears here with the company for the first time, will give his impression of “A at the Pictures,” creaming comedy sketch, in which he will have the assistance of Elaine Maye. The same artist also offers his latest Lancashire comicality, “Ai Choom,” finishing with his worldfamous eccentric dance. “Scratcher” Ross and Charles Albert have a humorous sketch, “My Old Hat,” which is said to be a gem of comedy. Charles Albert is also heard in a bright song scena, in which he will have the assistance of the ballet. A very pretty item is the triple waltz by Alan Kitson, Marie Landon and Elaine Maye, the ragtime quintette will give several new numbers, including “Oh, You California” and “Oh, Miss Hanna,” while the finale, “Hey Diddle Diddle,” is a delightful medley of harmony, comedy, and music. The first part of the picture programme at the Strand will be occupied by the Metro-Goldwyn film, “There You Are,” with Conrad Nagel in the leading role. The new picture is an

intensely funny adaptation of F. Hugh Herbert’s novel of the same name. It depicts the trials and tribulations that beset an eloping couple, portrayed by Conrad Nagel and Edith Roberts, in their attempts to evade a furious father and vigilant policeman, in the face of such obstacles as a misplaced baby and badly-tangled identities. This Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production is essentially a wii. nsical comedy, staged in a setting of wild thrills and swift action. Nagel’s desertion of the field of romantic heroism of that of light comedy is attended by the greatest success. With a few deft touches, a change of facial expression and aided and abetted by a bow ler hat*, he creates an impression of ludicrous nonentity, and thus provokes continuous mirth. He is supported by a notable cast, which includes George Fawcett, Edith Roberts, Eddie Gribbon, Phillips Smalley and Gertrude Bennett. “There You Are” is vastly different from Nagel’s earlier pictures. He was superb in “The Only Thing,” and in “Sun Up,” but with this picture he opens an entirely new field for himself. Edith Roberts is a delightful confederate in their little love conspiracy, and the rest of the cast fill their positions excellently.