STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 178, 18 October 1927, Page 15

STRAND

“MISS NEW ZEALAND 1927” Again last night the Strand Theatre was packed to the doors by an enthusiastic audience which flocked to see our charming “Miss New Zealand, 1927,” who is appearing for a short season prior to her departure for Hollywood. This talented young maiden is presenting a series of short, entertaining sketches and gives an impromptu speech nightly. In addition to this great attraction is a big picture programme, “Fools in the Dark,” with Patsy Ruth Miller and Matt Moore, and a thrilling historical romance, ‘‘The Frontiersman.” The plot of “Fools in the Dark” deals with the ambitions of one Percival Schwartz, who is much humiliated by his father’s business—the manufacturer of the Schwartz Stayclean Garbage Can—and who has a desire to write scenarios for the movies. He falls in love with Ruth, the niece and ward of D.r.. Rand, a menacing scientist who is one of the two “heavies” in the film. In order to test the boy’s courage, Dr. Rand invents a series of harrowing and terrifying experiences, which eventually culminate in Percival’s complete triumph over Dr. Rand, the trick villain, and also over Kotah, his servant, who turns out to be a .real one. Tim McCoy, star of “The Frontiersman,” gives picture audiences a new thrill in his latest production. Surrounded by hostile Indians, he snatches several blazing torches from their camp fire and keeps them at bay until from the log wall surrounding the village, he signals to a scout, who brings his horse to the foot of the stockade. Using the torches to cover his retreat, McCoy leaps on to his horse, and leaves the enraged Indians firing fruitlessly after him. The feminine lead in “The Frontiersman” is taken by Claire Windsor, and the cast includes Tom O’Brien, Louise Lorraine and Russell Simpson. An added attraction is a short topical film, “In the Savage Solomons,” showing the scene of the recent massacre on the island of Malaita, and also pictures of the late Administrator Bell, with his staff and native bodyguard. The supporting programme includes a Strand Magazine, a very beautiful Australian scenic, and a hilarious Fox comedy, “The Kangaroo Detective.” An excellent musical entertainment is provided by the Strand Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Eve Bentley. |