“THE MAN WHO LAUGHS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 585, 11 February 1929, Page 14

“THE MAN WHO LAUGHS”

PRIVATE SHOWING IN WEEKEND

The third great Victor Hugo classic to reach the screen, the Universal super-production, “The Man Who Laughs,” was given a private showing in Auckland during the week-end.

“The Man Who Laughs” surpasses the previous Hugo Universal films, "Les Misers bles” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” in magnificence of setting, dramatic intensity and heartgripping qualities. The story of the mutilated mountebank’s life-long devotion to the beautiful blind Dea is as human as the background is lavishly worldly. Paul Leni, the director, is said to have showered a wealth of detail in his reproductions of the England of Queen Anne’s reign. The replicas of the Court, Parliament, the Duchess Josiana’s boudoir, Southwark Fair, London street scenes, and other colourful settings, are promised as elaborate and faithful. Against this rich background, a distinguished cast contributes some of the finest acting that has yet reached the screen. Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin plays the roles of Gwynplaine and Dea, while in the supporting cast are Olga Baclanova, Brandon Hurst and George Siegmann.

MADAME LYNDA BRADFORD, the talented mezzo-soprano, who is appearing in gems from grand opera with Senor Russo at the Regent, has been associated with Senor Russo for the past four years. They were in India together as soloists with the Sistine Choir under the name of the Roman Singers. After India they went to South Africa for six weeks, but were such a success there that their stay was prolonged to 25 weeks. Madame Bradford has eben specially trained for grand opera, and was at one time a member of Melba’s Opera Company.