STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 652, 2 May 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“THE STREET ANGEL” The world-famous Roxy Theatre Orchestra of 110 talented artists provides a musical accompaniment to “The Street Angel,” the main picture at the Strand Theatre, . which was directed by Frank Borzage, who was responsible for that memorable picture, “Seventh Heaven.” 1 The story is laid against the colourful background of Naples, and the photographic treatment of the many picturesque scenes is claimed to be a conspicuous contribution to the art of the motion picture. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell have the principal roles, and are supported by a carefully-selected cast. Miss Gaynor appears as a little waif of the waterfront, and Farrell as a vagabond artist who meets a-nd falls in love with her. • . - The picture recounts the story ol Angelina’s desperate attempt to raise funds for her dying mother, a.nd in her attempts she is arrested and sentenced to prison. She escapes from the police and joins a small travelling circus, in which she becomes a ballet performer. Here she meets Gino, the wandering painter, but their romance is shattered by the police, who track her down and take her to prison. The climax o£ the story sees them happily reunited once more. . The programme, which includes a number of short “talkies,” opens with a Fox movietone newsreel, in which King Alfonso of Spain, the American Ambassador to Spain and the president of the New York Exchange are among the world celebrities who actually address the audience. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the programme is the opening ot the New-castlc-on-Tyne Bridge by His Majesty the King. Many New Zealanders who have never heard the King speak are thus able to hear the last public speech before his illness. George Bernard ►Shaw, one of the foremost personalities in the English literary world, is heard in a humorous speech, and Gertrude Lawrence, the celebrated English comedienne, appears in a novel “talkie” film. “Chic” Sale, a famous American stage and screen star, is the leading figure in the next item, which is entitled “The Star Witness.” This film is claimed to be the first all-talking comedy, and is an exceptionally attractive addition to an excellent programme.