STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 283, 20 February 1928, Page 13

STRAND

SUCCESS OF “SEVENTH HEAVEN” “Seventh Heaven," the universally commended Fox Films masterpiece, is still attracting large audiences to the Strand Theatre, where the film is now nearing the completion of its third week of screening. Of this great film, Seymour Hicks, the eminent English star, has written: “Here is indeed a super-film. Not an ordinary film, but a fine moving drama, with a story, basically correct from its very outset, winding its way through the tangle of human passion to a brilliant conclusion.”

“Seventh Heaven,” grand story that it is, is made still more grand by the subtle touches cf a master possessed of a poet’s mind. The greatest praise one could give this marvellous piece of work would be to say that to attempt to criticise it would be the greatest impertinence, and that to endeavour to find words to enthuse about it would leave the writer seeking for adjectives. It is perfect!

The two outstanding characteristics in this moving story are by Diane, and Chico. Chico is played by Charles Farrell. I think it would be better to say is “lived” by Charles Farrell. This man is a mighty actor. First of all he is a man—a man whom any nation would be proud to send as' its represetnative to a world challenge. Coupled with him is Janet Gaynor as Diane. The world’s Diane! Her pathetic little figure in black makes a harp of one's heart and plays whatever tune it pleases upon its strings.” The remainder of the progamme includes “Solitudes,” a very beautiful scenic, showing some of the world’s most famous, and certainly most beautiful mountains, mountain streams, lakes and glaciers. A very notable scene is that of the ancient Pyramids in Egypt, and the silent desert. Preceding the screening of the photoplay is a very artistic prologue, entitled “An Attic Near the Stars.” Mr. Birr ell O’Malley as Chico, and Miss Phyllis Hazel as Diane portray a delightful little scena as they sing from the rooftops of Paris. Eve Bentley’s popular Strand Symphony Orchestra renders a special musical score, and specially features as the overture, a short selection from “Mignon” (Thomas).