STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 616, 19 March 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“THE WOMAN DISPUTED” A screen story of rare, grim beauty, that plumbs emotions to their depths, excites tho senses, and dazzles the eye —that is “The Woman Disputed,” Norma Talmadge’s latest picture, now at tho Strand Theatre. The story commences when the kindness and faith of Paula Hartman, a young and affable Austrian officer, and his devoted friend, Nika Turgenov, a proud Russian lieutenant on furlough in Lemberg, Austria, bring about the reform of Mary Ann Wagner, a street girl with a noble soul, and results in a love on the part of both young men. Of this love Mary Ann is unaware, so happy is she in their friendship. War breaks out between Austria and Russia. Early one morning Nika and Paul get orders almost simultaneously to report to their regiments. Nika’s first thought is to telephone Mary Ann. Surprised and disappointed that she is not at home, at so early an hour, he hurries to say goodbye to his friend Paul, only to find Mary Ann in Paul’s room, where she has gone to help him pack. The realisation that they are to be separated makes them realise tlieir love for each other. Gilbert Roland and Arnold Kent have the roles of Paul and Nika. A special attraction on the stage at the Strand this week is “The Pirates’ Jazz Band.” direct from Ye Olde Pirate Shippe at Milford, in a number of jazz and other selections. Evo Bentley's orchestra will play.

OFF ON HIS 105 HOURS’ DANCE NON-STOP RECORD ATTEMPTED At two o'clock this afternoon Mr. Bert Nicholl, world’s champion nonstop endurance dancer, commenced his attempt at Scots’ Hall, Symonds Street, to create a new non-stop dancing record. The present record is 101 hours, but Mr. Nicholl will attempt to beat it by dancing for 105 hours. To do this, he must keep dancing until eleven o’clock next Saturday evening. . T He will be partnered by six Auckland girls, who will dance with him in relays of two hours each. A committee of Auckland citizens will be watching him never leaving the dancer alone, to certify that the attempt is genuine. Mr. .Nicholl w ill cat, shave, wash and be massaged while dancing, in lull view of the public. The doors of Scots’ Hall are to be open day and night to admit the public. Dances will bo held each evening while the attempt is in progress, and a special midnight party dance will be given on Thursday from 11 p.m. till 4 a. m.

NOBILITY AS “EXTRAS” Poignant memories of tho gay and colourful festivities that held full sway in Warsaw before the great Red tide of revolution swept away evex-y vestige of aristocracy caixie to the minds of the several hundred Russian refugees who participated recently in the Daughters” for Metro-Goldwyn-Maver. the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture. _ Among the group of players who appeared in the scenes for this new Greta Garbo starring vehicle, were a prince and a princess, two generals, eight colonels and numerous other foi-mer holders of royal military rank and honours. Conrad Nagel plays the leading male role in “The Mysterious Lady.” and Gustav von Seyffertitz is included in the cast.