PLAZA AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 536, 13 December 1928, Page 15

PLAZA AND TIVOLI

“HEART OF A NATION” A deep, penetrating drama of immigrants in New York’s Lower East Side struggling to become American citizens—their children real Americans, but the parents still living in the old world! Such is the theme of Universal’s drama, “Heart of a Nation,” which will open at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres this evening. It is from the great stage success, “We Americans.” by Milton Herbert Gropper and Max Siegel. It is featured by an all-star cast, tremendous settings, human comedy and dramatic situations unequalled in intensity and heretofore untouched in the realm of screen art. The picture has been elaborately filmed under the direction of Edward Sloman, the man who made “His People,” “Alias the Deacon,” and other dramatic spectacles. The cast of “Heart of a Nation” includes George Sidney, Patsy Ruth Miller, George Lewis, Eddie Phillips, Beryl Mercer, John Boles, Albert Gran, Michael Visaroff, Daisy Belmore, Rosita Marstini, Andy De Vine, Flora Bramley, Kathlyn Williams. Edward Martindel, Josephine Dunn, and thousands of others. “For Alimony Only” is the title of the amusing comedy-drama which will also be shown, starring Leatrice Joy and Clive Brooks. A stormy marriage of six months between Narcissa and Peter Williams ends in a bitter quarrel, and the admission of the wife that, while it may be a failure from his viewpoint, it isn't from hers as, thank Heaven, he’s good for alimony! Sickened and disillusioned, Peter offers her much more than he can afford, glad to gain his freedom at any cost. Then he meets the real girl, Mary Martin, and they marry.

Ramon Novarro has signed a new contract with Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer. He is now appearing in “The Flying Ensign,” a story of naval aviation being directed by George Hill. Anita Page plays the leading feminine role, and Eddie Nugent, Ralph Graves, Gardener James and Carrol Nye are included in the supporting cast.