Round the Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 412, 21 July 1928, Page 16

Round the Shows

STRAND GREAT LOVE TRAGEDY Entering- on the second week of its season, “Anna Karenina” drew large audiences to the Strand Theatre yesterday. Removed as it is from the moving picture tradition, it would seem at first sight that the film might possibly fail in popular appeal; but it takes more than a tragic ending to blind an audience to the tremendous artistic significance of “Anna Karen- “ Anna Karenina” dates back to the grand imperial day's of Russia, when the sons of the great gathered in St. Petersburg to serve in the picked regiment of the Tsar. A nobleman so serving was Count Vronsky, the aide and favourite to the Grand Duke; The first appearance of fate’s tragic hand was when he met a beautiful woman on a snowbound road leading to the capital. Her sleigh had broken down, and he offered her a share of his. The storm grew stronger, and they 7 were obliged to take shelter at an inn. An opportunist ever, Vronsky made overtures to the woman, Anna, wife of Senator Karenina, but he was repulsed, and feeling genuinely contrite at his error of judgment, he prayed forgiveness, which was later given. The senator, a withered man, with little regard for his wife’s entertainment, put her in the dangerous mood which made her so easy a mark for the romantic advances of the count. They met socially on frequent occasions, and in the end their mutual love was declared. The viper-tongued gossips set hotly to their evil labour, and to escape the social penalty for their love, they decided to go to a new country. Facing bravely the thought of exile, their spirits were steeled by the welding strength of love. The idyll went on, but the time came when Anna was overwhelmed by desire to see her little son once more. She returned to her home, and in the capital learnt that Vronsky’s name was about to be struck from the roll of his regiment. Interceding with the Duke, she averted this disgrace by offering to surrender her love. She surrendered love in the only possible way—by taking her life. The picture, apart from its beauty and tragedy, is made great by the superb acting of John Gilbert and Greta Garbo. Miss Garbo’s marvellous restraint is a thing to wonder at. Mr. Gilbert likewise is natral and convincing.

The supporting programme included a dance prologue, “Coppelia Ballet,” produced by Mile. Valeska, who was also the graceful soloist. Art was apparent in both execution and conception. A comedy, and “Thrills in Many Lands,” completed the picture opening.

Incidental music was played excellently by Miss Eve Bentley’s Strand Symphony Orchestra.

ROYAL, KINGSLAND

“COHENS AND KELLYS” “The Coliens and Kellys in Paris,” one of the most delightful comedies ever filmed, will bo shown tliis evening at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland, with George Sidney and J. Farrel McDonald in the leading roles. The Cohens and Kellys, grown rich in business partnership, love each other; but they love to battle with each other, too. When pretty Sayde Cohen announces her engagement to young Pat Kelly in Paris, their fathers are George Sydney right in the middle of one of their feuds, and both are determined to stop the marriage of j:lieir only child to the offspring of a dirty loafer, so they take the same 'boat to Paris to stop the wedding. “Get Your Man,” a happy comedy starring the vivacious Clara BoW, will also be shown.

TUDOR, REMUERA

“SALLY IN OUR 'ALLEY”

“Sally in Our Alley,” with Shirley Mason in the leading: role, will be shown this evening at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. Sally is happy in her home, and particularly happy is her romance with Jimmie Adams (Richard Arlen). But a wealthy aunt appears on the scene and takes Sally home with her. Before long we find Sally living in a beautiful home and receiving the attentions of a very wealthy young man, Chester Drake (Harry Crocker). Sally is debating between her two loves, her first and this new one. The deciding moment comes when a party is given for Sally and she insists upon inviting her former friends. Naturally their table manners cause embarrassment, and when her aunt politely tells them to leave. Sally decides she will no longer stay with her aunt. She hears that Jimmie is leaving for China and that the boat is ready to sail. Jumping into a car she drives at breakneck speed to the pier, arriving just in time to assure Jimmie that there never was anyone else but him.

“Love Hungry,” a dramatic story starring Lois Moran, will also be shown. MUNICIPAL BAND AT ZOO TO-MORROW The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon at 2.45. A delightful programme includes the bright marches, “The Staffordshire Knot,” “Sylvia,” §.nd “Merry of Heart,” the “Jubilant” overture, the waltz-’intermezza “Beethoven Echoes,” selection “Princess Ida,” and fantasia “Reminiscences of All Nations.” and other tuneful items. In the evening in the Town Hall at 5.30 p.m. the band will again appear, when a complete change of programme will include, by general request, the choruses “Amen” and “Worthy is the Lamb” from “The Messiah,” two fine Gounod numbers, the “Mirella” overture and selection from “Faust.” together with other popular numbers.

“Glorious Betsy,” the Warner Master Picture, will shortly be released. Dolores Costello never looked or acted better, it is claimed, and Conrad Na-

vel’s Jerome Bonaparte is a performance of merit. The fact that the strry is based on an authentic romance, into which has been woven action and humour, makes it all the more pleasing.