STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 393, 29 June 1928, Page 14

STRAND

“THE GAUCHO” TO-NIGHT Among a galaxy of very fine pictures “The Gaucho,” which comes to the Strand Theatre to-day, should prove one of the most popular productions yet screened. For the picture has as its star Douglas Fairbanks, the inimitable star, with whom one immediately associates thrilling adventure and. stirring feats of arms. The star last year was affected by the sight of many stricken and maimed pilgrims, as well as by the faith cures at Lourdes. The mighty urge and influence of the shrine suggested a fundamental theme for his next production, and Doug visualised the conflict of the sinister forces of greed and those of faith. The result is a gripping story against the background of the Andes and the pampas countries of South America. An imganiary city has grown about a place of healing. Its wealth is coveted by a cruel dictator and a bandit outlaw. Fairbanks appears in the latter role, the title role of “The Gaucho.” He has chosen the picturesque plainsman, now becoming extinct, as a character little known to film audiences, and therefore of novel interest. The*conflict between the gaucho bandits and the army of the dictator, between the love of a wild village girl and a fair pilgrim to the shrine; the deeds of daring, treachery, sacrifice and rescue combine in a picture calculated to thrill as well as charm. The majestic Andean scenery and the especially built shrine city from the designs of Carl Oscar Borg are embellished by a wealth of detail, comprising a step forward in cinema art. In the cast are Lupe Velez, as a wild mountain girl; Eve Southern, as “the girl of the miracle”; Gustav von Seyffertitz, the usurper; Michael Vavitch, his lieutenant; Charles Stevens, a Gaucho aide; Nigel de Brulier, the padre; A 1 MacQuarrie, a beggar; Fred de Silva,. a cavalry officer, and Carlotta Monti, a dancing girl. A most ambitious musical programme will be presented by the Strand Symphony Orchestra under the conductorship of Eve Bentley. Among the many musical gems included in the incidental music are “Lustpiel” (Keler Bela); “Requiem” (Verdi); “The Miracle” (Foulds); “Le Lac Des Cygnes” (Tschaikowsky); “Habanera” (Chabiner); “La Fornariette” (Valverde); “Saragossa” Spanish Overture, “A Toi” (Czibrilka); and “Marche Slav” (Tschaikowsky). Preceding the screening of the photoplay will be “South of the Andes,” a very delightful dance and song prologue. Miss Bettina Edwards*, that graceful and well-known dancer, is the solo dancer, and will be supported by her talented Cabaret Ballet. A strong supporting programme composed of a Fox Variety Film, the Strand Magazine, and a scenic will also be screened.