STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 124, 16 August 1927, Page 15

STRAND

BON BON REVUE The Bon Bon Revue continues to draw large audiences to the Strand both in the afternoon and evening. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest picture and vaudeville programmes ever presented in an Auckland theatre. The second mammoth show given under the direction of Mr. Robert Roberts contains a great deal of comedy as well as some delightful ensembles. This clever little company is strong in comedians. Nowhere could there be eight such clever fun-makers on one programme as Robert Roberts, William Innes, Wylie Watson, Will Gilbert, Maurice Jaffey, Nick Morton, George Edwards and June Mills. The show is full of snap, variety and pep. served in an original manner. The show literally sparkles from beginning to end. The company is rich in vocalists and musical numbers are an outstanding feature. This week’s programme introduces three very colourful scenes entitled “Redskin Revels,” “All Scotch” and “County Sligo.” Throughout this Arline Paterson dances and sings in her dainty and attractive manner. Beautiful Virginia Valli gives one of the season’s finest performances as the materialistic young wife in Fox Films version of H. G. Wells’s “Marriage,” which is being shown 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. The story concerns the marriage of an idealist and a realist. In this case it happens that the man is the idealist. The clash of temperaments brings about many intensely dramatic situations in which Miss Valli proves that she is an actress of outstanding ability. 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.