PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 587, 13 February 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

‘‘THE MAN WHO LAUGHS” This evening - will see the final presentation at the Plaza Theatre of the pictures “Love at Midnight,” starring Billie Dove and “Bo Your Duty,” starring Charlie Murray. One of the most spectacular motion pictures in the history of the cinema will be offered patrons of the Plaza Theatre when Universal’s stupendous production of Victor Hugo’s classic, “The Man Who Laughs,” commences to-morro w.

This beautiful romance of a maimed mountebank and a beauti ul blind girl, enacted by Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin, was directed by Paul Leni, internationally celebrated master of direction.

Lavishly beautiful settings and romantic atmosphere feature this photoplay, the period of which is laid in Ungland in 1705, during the reign of Queen Anne. The many famous figures of her court move prominently through the picture. The story commences when a small boy, his face mutilated into a horrible grin, by order of James 11. because his father is a political enemy, is abandoned on the coast of Ungland by kidnappers. He finds a live baby girl clasped in her mother’s cold arms and with the baby finds shelter in the circus van of Ursus.

Years pass and the girl grows to be Lea, the blind maid, while the boy becomes a famous clown. The boy’s claim to a title is discovered by Barkilphedro, attache of Queen Anne’s court and the queen sees an opportunity for her to discipline her half sister, Duchess Josiana, who has incurred her displeasure. She has Gwynplaine restored to his wealth and decrees that he shall marry Josiana. Barkilphedro reports to Ursus that Gwynplaine is dead and banishes the little troupe from Ungland. Gwynplaine renounces his title, defies Josiana, and hastens after Ursus and Dea.

Ha is pursued by Barkilphedro and his henchmen. The chase is exciting with the London populace cheering for Gwynplaine. “The Man Who Laughs” is promised as even more magnificent and gripping than “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the Victor Hugo classic brought to the screen so impressively by Universal years ago. A cast of 5,000 is one of the many outstanding features of “The Man Who Laughs.” The supporting company includes such distinguished players as George Siegmann, Olga Baclanova, Stuart Holmes, Brandon Hurst and Sam de Grasse.

A special supporting programme will also be screened and new music played by Howard Moody’s Orchestra.