Over Fifty New Pictures in 1929

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 13 (Supplement)

Over Fifty New Pictures in 1929

Pox Films

During 1929 the pictures that will be offered to the public of New Zealand under the Fox banner will be particularly attractive, according to the expressed opinion of some of the industry’s foremost critics. The great strides in production methods which have been made in recent years by Fox. Film Corporation have been a source of wonder to everyone engaged in the business.

The 1929 output of pictures will comprise 52 pictures, one a week, with the probable addition of four super-productions. The ever increasing popularity of Sox short subjects is ample proof that the public appreciates good supporting subjects. This justifies the care exercised in the production of Fox comedies, variety subjects, and Fox News. Among the authors and playwrights whose works will be placed on the screen by Fox are such well-known names as I. A. R. Wylie, Edna Ferber, Chas. Francis Coe, Lawrence Stallings, Edmund Goulding, John Galsworthy, Jerome K. Jerome, Earl Derrbiggers, and many others. Directors who will w’ield the megaphone include such masters of their art as John Ford, who directed "The Iron Horse” and "Mother Machree,” Raoul Walsh, director of "What Price Glory,” and Frank Bors:age of "7th Heaven” fame. "Street Angel,” the story of the love of a wandering artist for the little street waif of Naples, features the pair, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, who climbed the heights and carved a place for themselves in the hearts of picturegoers throughout the world by their immortal performance in "Seventh Heaven.” Critics classify "Street Angel” as the highest peak of screen entertainment. Dolores Del Rio scores another outstanding success by her portrayal of

“Toska,” the Russian peasant girl who becomes a famous dancer, in the Fox production, "The Red Dance.” This is a fine story of Russia, its people and events just prior to the Menshevik Revolution. Co-starring with Dolores Del Rio is Charles Farrell, who can always be depended, upon to give a satisfactory performance. As Grand Duke Eugen, Charles Farrell again demonstrates his remarkable versatility. In "The Red Dance” his devotees will see a new Charles Farrell, with his royal carriage, his uniforms, his physical assets and his love-making scenes. "The Red Dance” is an audience picture the world over—absorbing, compelling and complete. Among outstanding pictures of the year "Mother Knows Best” undoubtedly finds a place. Of this picture the “New York Morning World” said: "Miss Madge Bellamy has never yet been seen in so altogether delightful a portrayal.” Louise Dresser as the mother who always knows best, gives a performance which cannot fail to impress and convince of her sincerity.

Then there will be "The Air Circus,” a rollicking story of civil aviation handled from an entirely new angle. Howard Hawkes, the director, will go down in history as the pioneer of commercial aviation pictures. He has produced a super-picture based on aviation with nothing of stunt flying or fool-hardy adventures in the skies. But there is sufficient thrills and romance in "The Air Circus” to satisfy the demand of the most critical picturegoer. "Fazii” is a lavish story of beauty, romance and action from Paris to the desert of Araby. Charles Farrell as the Arabian prince and G.reta Nissen as his bride, lend an amazing colour and romance by their respective performances. "Fazii” is a story of exceptional dramatic appeal.