“THE CIRCUS ”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 300, 10 March 1928, Page 25

“THE CIRCUS ”

Chaplin New Comedy

“ low-brow fare for HIGH-BROWS

* e 1 LOW-BROW comedy for high-brow s'.” Charles Chaplin, in these words, describes “The Circushis latest creation, which, incidentally, is booked for the Strand Theatre, in Auckland. Charlie, despite his funny little hat, his absurd swagger, and the cane which is always associated with his attire, is seriously inclined. Dame Nellie Melba, who met him in Hollywood a few years ago, testified to -that fact. A keen judge of mankind in general, Dame Nellie was surprised to find Chaplin so mentally well equipped.

After two years, Charlie Chaplin, idol of masses and classes in every clime, his given his public a comedy in this new United Artists picture, “The Circus.” Charlie Chaplin never disappoints. He is the one known quantity, the unfailing’ clown, the constant northern star of films. In this story of circus lice, of which Charlie accidentally becomes a part, his genius for fun-making is again clothed in the trick derby, over-roomy shoes, funny little moustache and flexible cane. Their Idol’s Antics And audiences, who have come to love this screen Charlie, roar louder than ever at the antics of their idol. The girl, who wears a fluffy skirt

and rides a great white steed, is Merna Kennedy, 18 years old, and blessed with red hair and blue - green eyes. This is Merna’s first picture role, for she went from the musical comedy stage direct to the part of Charlie Chaplin’s leading lady. She gives an intelligent, restrained performance, and her characterisation is always believable. “The Circus” was written, directed and produced by Charlie Chaplin, as have been his earlier films.

When Adolphe Menjou finishes “Serenade,” in which lie is now starring with Kathryn Carver opposite him, Paramount will put him to work in “The Beauty Doctor,” an Ernest Vajda original.