STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 360, 22 May 1928, Page 14

STRAND

“THE MERRY WIDOW’’ Miss Dale Austen, “Miss New Zealand,” who arrived in Auckland on Sunday, is appearing l in person on the stage, in conjunction with an interesting film, “ ‘Miss New Zealand’ in Movieland,” depicting her travels and adventures in the film city. Another treat on the programme is the music provided by Eve Bentley and the Strand Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the screening of the photoplay, selections are rendered from the original “Merry Widow” orchestral score. An effective stage prologue precedes the film, Miss Ina Bosworth being the solo violinist, and Mile. Vales ka and Mr. Len. Wilson providing a very effective dance. Large audiences are being attracted to the Strand Theatre daily, and delighted patrons are enthusiastic in their praise for “The Merry Widow,” the greatest and most brilliant musical comedy reproduction ever seen on the stage or screen. Dashing John Gilbert plays the part of Prince Danilo, whose passionate love transports little Sally O’Hara, an obscure dancing girl, into the seventh heaven of delight! In the scenes in which he jilts her, Gilbert is so wretched, the onlooker will sympathise with him —as in the scenes of gay Parisian social abandon, his furious jealousy of the woman he adores will make them long for “The Merry Widow” to give him back her heart! Supporting Gilbert in this epic of musical comedy-drama, are Roy D’Arcy as the Crown Prince—whose interpretation of that deceptive Royal Prince is most convincing; Mae Murray as Sally O’Hara; Tully Marshall as Baron Sadoja; George Fawcett as King Nikita; Josephine Crowell as the Queen, and many other talented players. “The Merry Widow” will doubtless captivate the young picture-goers of to-day as it will call again to the old play-goers