STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 284, 21 February 1928, Page 14

STRAND

“SEVENTH HEAVEN” POPULAR “Seventh Heaven,” “the eighth won- j der of the movie world, and inspiring from start to finish,” is still delighting ; large audiences at the Strand Theatre. Although this wonderful film is now ! nearing the completion of its third week in Auckland, its wonderful popularity seems to be in no way diminished. About this film has been written, “And Chico, a very remarkable fellow, who worked in the sewer but lived near the stars, achieved his earthly heaven —his Diane. Such a tremendous theme! So tender a story! A tale of a lovable French boy and maiden and their struggle for faith and happiness in the grimy world of Paris poor. The production upon the speaking stage was necessarily*.

limited to the four walls of a theatre. \ but on the screen the full sweep of its dramatic narrative is unfolded before * you. It is one of the most elaborate j productions in the history of motion pictures. Actually taking part in thi, screen production are authenticated taxicabs which participated in transportation of troops in defence of Paris against the invading army. Paris, ' during the hysterical hours following the declaration of war, is vividly shown. The call to arms, the mobilisation, the patriotism, the emotional fear, and the stalwart defence are depicted before your eyes. Then comes the triumphant Armistice Day. All oC these great history-making occurrences form a background to the most! beautiful love story ever told on the silver sheet. The note of the spiritual awakening dominates the dramatic fear. Diane, the sincere and wistful little French girl, is played by Janet Gaynor, and the beloved and strongminded Chico is portrayed by Charles Farrell. It is the greatest epical drama in the history of motion pictures.” A very delightful prologue entitled “An Attic Near the Stars,” with Mr. ■

Birrell O Malley as Chico ana jyliss Phyllis Hazel as the little Diane precedes the screening of the film. Several appropriate songs are sung by these two vocalists, whose voices blend remarkably well. A short selection from “Mignon” is featured as the overture by Eve Bentley’s Strand Symphony Orchestra, which also renders a special musical programme throughout the film. Throughout this week, which is “Souvenir Week” at the Strand Theatre, the management is presenting to every lady patron, two beautiful photographs, one of the delightful “Chico” and another of wistful little “Diane.”