ROMANCE AND LOVE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 584, 9 February 1929, Page 15

ROMANCE AND LOVE

STRAND’S NEW PROGRAMME BARONESS ORCZY’S “TWO LOVERS” The United Artists’ picture, “Two Lovers,” ushered in the new picture week at the Strand Theatre last evening. Produced under the direction of Fred Niblo, the picture deals with the romantic part played by William of Orange in his attempt to lift the yoke of Spain from

Flanders. The customs, dress and architecture of the period, with all the pomp and pageantry of 350 years ago, are faithfully reproduced and convey more of the life of that time than tomes of musty

history. The story is based on. the.

novel “Leatherface,” by Baroness Orczy, and the name part of the novel is played by Ronald Colman, with Vilma Banky in the principal feminine part. Leatherface, who is the faithful but secret follower of 'William of Orange, is the son of one of the principal citizens of Ghent, which is occupied by the Spaniards under the cruel and bloodthirsty Duke of Azar. As a reconciling bond between Spain and Flanders, the Duke of Azar arranges a marriage between his own niece and Leatherface. who is not known to the Spaniards as a secret worker against their domination. The Puke of Azar’s niece, who is li love with a Spanish captain, is a cold and frigid wife, but is almost won over by her husband’s selfless devotj# when she suddenly discovers his identity, and that he is the man who killed her Spanish sweetheart. Action, packed with thrills and battle, follows, situation crowding upon situation to keep the audience on the edge of keen expectation. The love story of the picture and the ultimate reconciliation between husband and wife is played out against a background of red-blooded fighting, wherein the Spanish are ultimately driven from the city of Ghent by an infuriated mob of faithful followers of the Prince of Orange. The part of the cruel and bloodthirsty Duke of Azar is played by Noah Beery, who. together with his infamous “council of blood,” supply the necessary touch of Intriguing evil to perfection, and provide the background against which the skill and courage of Leatherface are pitted. The scene in which Leatherface fights a knife-duel with his wife’s lover, whose true character is not known to her until long after his death, is particularly thrilling. A mediaeval castle, complete with drawbridge and torture chamber, wherein are displayed all the iniquities of Old Spain, lend atmosphere to the story. Throughout the whole picture no expense has been spared to saturate the story in the romantic and daredevil spirit of the day. This picture is said to mark the last

joint appearance of Ronald Colman and Miss Banky, and is a fitting conclusion to the series of romantic costume tales in which they have been starred for so long. As a prologue to the picture. Yorke Gray presented "A Scene in Venice.” The gondolier singing his love to the lady of his heart, and the charming scenery effects won approval of the most enthusiastic kind from the audience. Supporting the main picture were a gazette, with all the latest English happenings, including the Christmas season storms and Eve's Review. The Strand Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Eve Bentley, rendered a fine selection of appropriate musical items.