STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 645, 23 April 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“THE STREET ANGEL” Fox’s superb dramatic triumph, “The Street Angel,” together with a full movietone supporting programme, continues its Auckland season at the Strand Theatre. For such an important event as the presentation of the first movietone programme in Auckland, the Strand Theatre management has made a happy selection in “The Street Angel.” A proof of its remarkable quality is shown in the fact that it commenced screening at the magnificent Prince Edward Theatre in Sydney a short time after Christmas, and is still being presented to record attendances, there being four sessions a day in a theatre of huge capacity. The programme, both from a quality and quantity viewpoint, is exceptionally satisfying. The chief of the short “Talkie” features is the latest and greatest Fox ! movietone achievement —the recording ; of the voice of his Majesty King George j V. of England, in his last public j speech prior to his serious illness— j the official opening of the new Tyn* j Bridge at Newcastle. The King’.'? j voice records perfectly—there is clar- j ity in every syllable. Of immense j interest to New Zealanders, therefore, comes this Fox movietone sound sub- I ject, an adequate indication of what the new wonder entertainments have ! accomplished and will achieve. The other short features are a short , address by George Bernard Shaw, followed by an entertaining act by Gertrude Lawrence, the English comedienne, and a comedy by Chic Sale. Also there is a Fox Movietone News, with events of the day in sight and sound. The world-famous Roxy Theatre Orchestra of 110 talented artists provides a well-nigh marvellous music accompaniment to the big attraction, “The Street Angel,” the “piece de resistance” of the entertainment. “The Street Angel” is a masterpiece of beauty charmingly acted and perfectly directed by Frank Borzage. who also made that other memorable Gaynor-Farrell picture, “Seventh Heaven.” The story is laid against the colourful background of Naples and the beautiful, soft-toned photographic treatment of the many picturesque scenes is a conspicuous contribution to the art of the motion picture. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. ideally co-starred, have the principal roles, and have the support of a carefullyselected and efficient supporting cast.