STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 99, 18 July 1927, Page 13

STRAND

BUSTER KEATON’S LATEST “A monster picture programme” describes the bill of fare offered to Strand patrons this week. Each feature is of exceptional merit, and strong enough to form an evening s entertainment on its own. Of great local and topical interest is the-New Zealand cricket .ers’ *“ film, exclusive to the Strand. This includes remarkable pictures of the practice at Lords, the New Zealand v. Martineau’s XI., and the New Zealand v. Middlesex match. All sport enthusiasts will enjoy this great film, and all New' Zealanders will be delighted to see again their cricket representatives in their English settln-. A sincere invitation to laugh to the limit is offered in Buster Keaton’s latest and biggest comedy, “The General.” In this picture Buster

Keaton is responsible for the biggest comedy spectacle ever brought to the screen, a humorous story of the Civil War that took nearly a year to make, cost a fortune, utilised the services of thousands of people and necessitated the purchase of three locomotives and scores of cars for conversion into

ante-bellum railroad equipment. Keaton’s big supporting cast in “Tin* General” is headed by Marian Mack, one of Hollyw'ood’s best known leading ladies, who has the role of a confederate belle. “Valencia,” Mae Murray’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, also being shown at the strand, is said to be one of the most dramatic films of the year. Under the direction of Dimitri Buchoweizki. the famous Russian director, she has done some of the best work of her career in a role more vivid and colourful than any that have previously fallen to her lot. It is the romance of a Spanish gipsy, who falls in love with a sailor, and is pursued by the Governor of Barcelona. The play is gorgeously costumed and staged, with hundreds of people in picturesque Spanish garb, great reproductions of castles and an entire street in Barcelona, and other thrilling details. The cast includes Lloyd Hughes in the leading mule role. Hoy D’Arcy. as the villainous governor. Michael | Vaviteh, Michael Visaroff. Max flarwya and others of note. This group of j players has been skilfully manoeuvred through innumerable scenes of dramatic and spectacular appeal by Director j Buchowetzki, who has made “Valencia” the best picture of his career.