STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 160, 27 September 1927, Page 15

STRAND

“CALIFORNIA” The current programme at the Strand T.ieatre offers excellent entertainment in the form of a big double picture programme, consisting of a gay ccmedy, “Footloose Widows,” and “California,” a Peter B. Kyne story written especially for the screen. The battle of San Pascual, ignored in most school histories, but one of the most important engagements of the Mexican War, and the one on which the conquest: of California hinged, forms a high light of action in “California,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s new hi storical drama. Peter B. Kyne, whose fiction stories have amused and entertained millions of readers th€> world over, wrote “California” especially as a starring vehicle for Tim McCoy, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer player. McCoy has the role of a dashin.:; American captain of marines while Dorothy Sebastian is seen as a proud daughter of the dons who Joined with those resisting the invasion of the Americanos. The story is based on historical facts though much liberty has been taken in the interest of the colourful romance which runs throughout. McCoy is supported by a large cast of capable pi tyers, many of them seen in roles of famous Americans and Californians of the period. The picture was directed by W. S. Van Dyke, who directed McCoy in "War Paint” and “Winners of the Wilderness.” The second feature on the progiamme is “Footloose Widows,” featuring Louise Fazenda and Jacqueline Logan. “Footloose Widows” is an adaptation by Darryl Francis Zanuck of B<iatrice Button’s novel. It was directed by Roy Del Ruth. Besides Miss Logan and Miss Fazenda, the cast includes Jason Robards, the sensationally handsome leading man, Arthur Hoyt, Edwards, Douglas Gerrard, Jane Winton, Mack Swain and John Miljan. The supporting programme consists of ix Strand Magazine of the latest topical budgets and world events, and a merry Aesop Fable cartoon, “Happy Go Luckies.” The Strand Symphony Orchestra, under Eve Bentley, renders a bright musical entertainment.