“BRIGADIER GERARD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 275, 10 February 1928, Page 15

“BRIGADIER GERARD”

THREE THEATRES’ ATTRACTION PRINCESS, TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S It was the first decade of the 19th century when Napoleon was at the height of his military power that Sir A. Conan Doyle struck upon as the period in which to write a story of a French peasant boy who rose to dizzy heights in the army of his Emperor. To all who have read “The Adventures of Brigadier Gerard” there remains long and pleasant association, and now we have “Brigadier Gerard transported to the screen in a manner that detracts not one whit from the beauty and art of the original work. There are three theatres in Auckland now showing the First National masterpiece—the Princess, Tivoli and Everybody’s—and that is just as well if the attendances at the three theatres at the initial screening last night is any indication of what the coming week will attract. Who does not remember the story or Etienne Gerard, the egotist, but nevertheless the man who did the very things his comrades thought he was boasting about? Were not the soldiers startled when Napoleon clasped Etienne in his arms and said: “Well, my audacious fellow, what could I do without you. Gerard had told them of a previous incident, but they laughed him down. As the irresistible Gerard, Rod Da Roque portrays the greatest role of his career. His impersonation of the happy, brave French Hussar is well worth seeing without the rest of the picture. His flashing smile keeps pace with his flashing sword, and neither is overdone. His is a portrayal that will not be soon forgotten. Then Miss Phyllis Haver as the Countess De Launay, secret service agent for Napoleon, gives a splendid account of herself. She is much in the picture, and gives an excellent portrayal of a happy role. As Napoleon himself, Max Barwyn is responsible for a most realistic performance, both in appearance and acting. Sam de Grasse makes a splendid

Talleyrand, the traitorous Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is eventually deposed by Gerard. The settings of this excellent production are most life-like. The dressing of the military is in keeping with the period, and altogether the audience is transported vividly to French soil in the days when Napoleon was working along the road that ends in. his defeat. There is plenty of action and suspense in this drama, while the feminine side of audiences will be delighted to know that a pretty love story is predominant, despite the warlike nature of the picture. “Brigadier Gerard” is fully entitled to a record run in Auckland. It is seldom that a picture such as this is shown here, and patrons would be well advised to see it. At the Princess and Tivoli Theatres

the supporting programme includes “Home Made,” the latest scoring vehicle for Johnny Hines. This is a charming comedy with an element of pathos pervading it, but it is a picture that follows out a definite plot, and one that provides the keenest enjoyment. Marjorie Daw plays opposite Johnny and is excellently cast. The story tels of a young man who goes to New York to popularise his mother’s jam. He does it, but how he does is the story. There are some very funny scenes and the audience thoroughly appreciated' this production. The supporting drama at Everybody’s Theatre is “Back to God s Own Country,” a thrilling story of the Can-

adian backwoods. There is action from the start, and there is no time to feel dull. The cast is excellent and handles the story with ease. The Princess Orchestra, under Mr. Howard Moody, has chosen a special programme of music and play, “I’m a Little Fond of You,” as the overture, “Danse Miniature,” “Genevieve de Brebant,” and others. The Tivoli chestra renders “The Gay Hussar” as the overture.