STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 395, 2 July 1928, Page 14

STRAND

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS’S LATEST As always, the magic name of Douglas Fairbanks is sufficient to draw thousands of enthusiastic admirers to see his latest photo-play, “Douglas Fairbanks as the Gaucho,” to the Strand Theatre, where the film had its Auckland premiere last Friday evening. No brief resume of the play can do Justice to the skilfully constructed ation is captured at the beginning of ation is captured at the begininng of the prologue, and held to the close of the story. The whimsical humour of Fairbanks, and his newly intriguing stunts, are a seasoning for the vital movement of the play, whose flavour combines that of some rare old Spanish legend and the romantic moods of the borderland. Doug.’s advantures are of the sort that delight young and old. His riding, leaping, and remarkable dexterity with the bolas serve to emphasise rather than detract from his scenes of superb acting. In Sherwood Forest or in the shadow of the Andes, he remains the gallant adventurer, ever with a surprise for his audience. Charming Miss Bettina Edwards is the, solo dancer in the very effective stage prologue which precedes “The Gaucho.” Miss Edwards dances the Argentine fandango, and is supported by her cabaret ballet. An exceedingly interesting New Zealand scenic film, “The Maori As He Was,” is included on the programme. The Maori wahine of old is seen undergoing the painful process of tattooing. The women are also shown weaving baskets and mats, and working in the fields.

A very delightful musical programme Is supplied by Eve Bentley and her Strand Symphony Orchestra, who specially feature as their overture “Saragossa” (Gruenwald). Included among the many Spanish musical gems rendered are “Serenade Espagnole” (Glazounow), “Requiem" (Verdi), “Le Las des Cygnes” (Tschaikowsky), “La Morena” (Chaminade), and “Habanera” (Chabiner).