GRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 235, 23 December 1927, Page 14

GRAND

“THE UNKNOWN” The Bohemian life and romance of the circus was never more realistically portrayed than in “The Unknown,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer special production, which will „be shown at the Grand Theatre to-night. The story centres around the lives of circus performers, Lon Chaney as the “armless wonder,” being the centre of an unusually gripping drama. This armless player is not without love—a love that few women possess; but the dark-eyed daughter of the circus proprietor feels only a sisterly affection for his friendly protection. Rival claims then sweep this pulsating story into stark drama, intense emotional suspense, deep sacrifice, and true love. Joan Crawford excels her characterisations in previous films in this production. She is clever on the sawdust, willowy and beautiful in figure and face, and she portrays the overwhelming discontent with her existence in a manner that stamps her as an artist of great distinction. Norman Kerry plays an important role in this production as the “strong man” of the circus troupe, a part in which his ample proportions combine appropriately with his accomplished acting to give a realistic interpretation.

First National Pictures have received advice that the title of Richard Barthelmess’s big special production, “The Patent Leather Kid,” has been changed to “The One Woman.” Alfred Santell produced the picture, and Molly O’Day shares~the stellar honours with Richard Barthelmess.