STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 123, 15 August 1927, Page 15

STRAND

BON BON REVUE “Everybody is talking Bon Bon,” and it is no wonder after seeing the first two programmes given by this talented company. Their second surprise packet of mirth and melody opens with a colourful ensemble entitled “Off to Fun Land.” The whole company then “Rave Over Carolina.” May Webster is to be congratulated on her beautiful soprano voice and artistic rendering of “Save Your Sorrow,” in which William Inees also contributes his share of rich harmony. To make everybody laugh the next item is entitled “The Tram Question.” It deals with what a man says in a car and what he would like to say. Will Gilbert is the mere man and creates a yell of laughter when he frankly says exactly what he feels. Molly Hughes and June Mills are excellent in this little sketch and prove an effective contrast to each other. Robert Roberts then handles the old song, “The Woman Always Pays,” in a decidedly fresh and original manner, which calls forth much laughter and praise. “Redskin Revels” is a colourful and spirited novelty, artistically dressed, and with good lighting effects, in which May Webster sings enchantingly, and the Beauty Ballet gives a spirited demonstration of Red Indian dancers. Wylie Watson is the next on the programme and his offer of fun is delightfully fresh and original. Arline Pa/terson, assisted by George Edwards and the Bon Bons, next appears in a Scotch scene and shows how the Scotch reel should be danced. Nick Morton appears in one of the cleverest sketches in the programme entitled “The Harassed Comedian.” His characterisation is excellent and his humour sharp and keen. Will Gilbert and Maurice Jaffey provide more mirth and merriment. Then, in bounces June Mills with her ton of pep, and the laughter becomes one long roar until she is off the stage again. The Irish scena artistically dressed and served with snap and variety makes a grand finale. The Bon Bon Revue is a Strand triumph. It is full of speed, fun, prettiness and some excellent dancing and singing. It is no wonder that it has swept with a rush into the forefront of Auckland entertainments and is likely to stay there. Beautiful Virginia Valli gives one of the season’s finest performances as the materialistic young wife in Fox Films versiop of H. G. Whlls’s “Marriage,” now being screened at the Strand. Miss Valli will be .remembered for her excellent portrayals in “The Family Upstairs” and in “Stage Madness.” However, in spite of the fact that in those two pictures she rose to great heights, she rises still higher in “Marriage,” which tears the veil from the mysteries of matrimony. Miss Valli proves that she is an actress of outstanding ablity. She employs just the proper amount of restraint necessary to give force to her work. And in addition she most certainly is a treat for tired eyes. She screens beautifully and appears natural at all times. Opposite Miss Valli is a sterling young actor named Allan Durant. He is from Germany, where he appeared with success on the stage and screen. A fine supporting cast was chosen by the director, R. William Neill. Mr. Neill, incidentally, showed fine taste in his treatment of the story, building each situation in a logical and truthful manner.