“LEGION OF THE CONDEMNED”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 554, 5 January 1929, Page 13

“LEGION OF THE CONDEMNED”

EPIC OF THE AIR PROGRAMME AT NATIONAL “The Legion of the Condemned” is a Paramount epic of the air which last evening thrilled a large muster of members of the Auckland Aero Club and other guests of the management a. private screening at the National Theatre. This masterpiece in moviework, which is so stirring in effect, bring to the fore many of the true facts of the hardships, bravery and daring during the dark days of the Great War will commence its season at the National Theatre this evening. Produced by William Wellman with the principal parts played by Gary Cooper (of "Wings” fame) and Miss ray IVray, “The Legion of the Condemned, most appropriately titled, is favoured with full and accurate detail ?Xvr lcil was a, taking feature of Wings. But although the background of the picture is war, fighting airplanes, bombing raids and spies, it is not chockful of exaggerated warfare, a regrettable weakness in many war films. The story unfolded is powerful m every respect. It is not a story of a. strict and biased theme and thus the valuable effect is gained from the possibility of all incidents. Well could it be likened to “Warbirds,” the diary written by an unknown aviator which has now become world famous. And the success of “Warbirds” was derived from truth and hard, but accurate facts. To ex-war men the film is of special interest and those airmen who once passed through what was later to be termed—The Legion of the Condemned will feel to the utmost, the magnificence of the film and the clever aerial photography which plays so great a part in its success. The story is based on the landing of spies in enemy territory, an errand which to aviators was like a passport

to hell. But the story is of a youth, a reporter on a large newspaper, who, disappointed and becoming ashamed of the girl he loved, became recklessly daring and joined a group of selfcondemned men who sought an honourable death on the field of battle. Death to

the airmen especially seemed to be something that was inevitable. Intensely embittered by the “crashing” of his love affair this young newspaper man. worked up to such a state of nervous tension and worry, actually seeks death, but when his girl, who was supposed to have betrayed him arrived at the airdrome as a member of the secret service and it falls as his lot to take her over the lines in his plane,

ho suddenly has a keen desire to grasp tightly to life. On her errand over the lines she is captured and a trap is set to catch him at the time when he is to call back for her. He is also taken. They both face the firing squad—the time has come. But at that moment when only seconds separate life and death there comes the hum and drone from overhead of many planes. It is the legion to the rescue and in the turmoil caused through the firing and fighting which followed the two lovers escape. Gary Cooper, who plays the principal part, will be forever remembered by picturegoers after his strong and effective acting in “Wings,” while Miss F'ay Wray in her difficult role maintains great interest in her work throughout. The supporting cast has indeed been well chosen, the majority being comparatively young players who are bound to come more to the front after this great picture, “The Legion of the Condemned,” has done its rounds. Adding colour to the film is special sychronised sound effects, the product of an “Editrola,” specially supplied by the firm of Lewis Eady, Ltd., which bring in the drone and the racing of the engines, while music most fitting to the film will be played by an excellent orchestra conducted by Mr. F. Bartlett. The programme supporting the main picture includes a Paramount Weekly News and Christie Comedy and a special feature —“Cruising the Arctic.” The last-named picture is of special interest showing to good effect the atmosphere and animal life of the Arctic wastes.