STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 273, 8 February 1928, Page 15

STRAND

BIG SUCCESS OF “SEVENTH HEAVEN” A very popular programme is being screened at the Strand Theatre, where the second big, picture of the Strand extended season policy, "Seventh Heaven,” is -being accorded a lavish presentation. That this remarkable photoplay is very popular is eloquently shown by the crowded and enthusiastic audiences which All the theatre at every presentation. The flower-like chfarm of Janet Gaynor in the leading role is something new, appealingly refreshing and spiritually beautiful. Words can not describe the winsomeness of her teardimmed smile, her happy laugh or the manner in which she shows hex' spiritual growth from a cringing street waif to a -woman fearless in the face of appalling danger and who meets the worst that life threatens to offer unflinchingly. Charles Farrell, who also rises to stardom with his performance in the role of Chico, that “remarkable fellow,” is equally appealing with his stalwart manhood and his carefree way of leading Diane from the gutter up the long winding flights of stairs to his heaven in a garret beneath the stars. Space does not permit an outline of the story, except to say, that for sheer simplicity and at the same time tremendous interest, it has probably never before been equalled on the screen. The cast, too, is not only an unusually fine one, but each member of it seems to have poured his heart into the interpretation of his or her part. It includes Ben Bard, David Butler, Albert Gran, Emile Cliautard, George Stone and many others almost equally well known. Preceding the photoplay is a very artistic prologue, which depicts the view over Paris, from Chico’s retreat among the chimney-tops. Mr. Birrell O’Malley and Miss Phyllis Hazel are the soloists. Eve Bentley’s Strand Symphony Orchestra excellently render the special musical score for the film, and feature as their overture selections from “Mignon” (Thomas). “MOTHER MACHREE” BELLE BENNETT IN TITLE ROLE Fox Films announce that they will shortly release "Mother Machree” throughout New Zealand. As indicated by the title, the story of the film centres round the song of the same name, and has been adapted from Rida Johnson’s novelette. That exceptionally capable dramatic actress, Belle Bennett, has the title role, and her work throughrut tEo film is of the highest. Seen as Ellen McHugh, Irish widow who takes her fatherless son to America in order that he may receive a good education, Miss Bennett is typical of the hundreds and thousands of mothers the world over who have sacrificed their own happiness for their children. The indoor sets of the film were shot in America, but all the exteriors of the Irish countryside were photographed in the Emerald Isle, where several cameramen were engaged for many weeks in bringing to the screen the correct Irish atmosphere and the well-known beauties of that fair land.