STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 323, 7 April 1928, Page 14

STRAND

CHARLIE THE INIMITARLE

‘The Circus is here:’’ is a phra*» that has thrilled generations of ehiMrJZ from eight to eighty, and doubtW will continue to thrill other generation* Charlie Chaplin’s “The Circus,” at th Strand Theatre, :s attracting record audiences, and everyone is with this film, the greatest of mamgreat comedies produced by this arch, clown of the screen. Charlie’s introduction into the saw dust sphere is characteristically Chanl lin. Detected pilfering “hot dogs.** he flees from the policeman —not necessarily because of the theft, but because a crook has put Into Charlie’s pockt* a pocketbook which he has stolen. The minion of the law thinks the perfectly innocent Charlie is the thief. The chase by policeman and crowds leads the comedian out of the amusement park, into a circus which has no chariot race, and whose boxes border right on the small sawdust ring. Charlie obtains a job as a property man, but he is failure.’ Then having fallen in lore with the owner’s bareback rider Chaplin is under the double necessity of making good. The girl is in love or thinks she is—with the tight-rop* walker. Hence Chaplin’s determination to master that art for the sake of winning her admiration, if not her love. He learns the intricate balancing feat, but as neither he nor the circus owner is sure of his skill. Chaplin has attached to his back a wire manipm. ated by the property man to prevenv any chance of falling. This contraption becomes disconnected, but the tvy© on the wire is ignorant of it. And her? is good psychology, because Chaplin, not knowing that he is entirely “on his own,” goes ahead and gives a spectacular, breath-taking performance Thirty feet in the air with no net to catch him should he miss his step, he really goes through with an act that any professional might envy. The girl is Merna Kennedy, who established the startling precedent of being the leading woman for the screen’s greatest pantomimist in her lirst appearance on the screen. Preceding the screening of the photoplay is a charming little stage prologue. “The Tiny Tots’ Circus.” presented by the talented pupils of Mile Valeska. These tiny tots dance prettily, tumble and finally introduce their famous elephant, Jumbo Jr., a most intelligent beast. “Memories of the Old Country” a beautiful English scenic, is one of the finest scenic films ever shown here Charming views show the quaint old inns and cathedrals of England anr Scotland, while the film is enhaneec by a special process which depcits tb* historical characters connected with the scenes. “Pot Pourri.” a delightful medley of well-known musical airs, is specially featured as the overture, while throughout a special- musical programme, arranged by Eve Bentley for her Strand Symphony Orchestra, :* rendered.