STARVED EMOTIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 678, 1 June 1929, Page 14

STARVED EMOTIONS

“MOTHER KNOWS BEST” TENSE DRAMA AT STRAND “You’ve starved her emotions —kept her from love and husband like go many mothers.” When the amiable old physician spoke these words j to Mrs. Quail, the climax was j reached in "Mother Knows Best,” • which has been described as the screen’s greatest spoken romance. While this is a claim which personal taste alone can decide, one fact must remain uncontradicted —the audience which saw the first screening at the Strand Theatre yesterday came away with feelings of immense appreciativeness of the advances being made with talking films. “Mother Knows Best” is a film which 1 needs very little critical adulation, for it has stout qualities which enable it to stand on its own merits. Adapted from a story by the brilliant Ameri- . can, Edna Ferber, it is frankly outspoken, but there is nothing in it which could possibly provoke a snigger. The fearless denunciation of mother-sel-fishness is one of the most powerful scenes ever shown on any screen. The picture’s theme is an old one in some ways, and yet it is presented from so compelling a viewpoint that it commands thoughtful rather than polite or amused attention. Poor Mrs. Quail, wife of an ineffectual small-town apothecary, is determined that her bright-eyed daughter shall have an opportunity of developing her ; natural bent for the stage. With the death of the breadwinner, the mother . is faced with bitter years of struggling, ; buoyed only by the thought that her 1 daughter will one day be a flashing j star on Broadway. How this fanciful dream is made a | reality is all explained in the story, j But the story goes much further than j that. Mrs. Quail insisted that her j daughter should be sheltered, and in j this way kept from any temptation of matrimony. Her career in the the- j atre was to have unchallenged supre- I macy in her life, but in the end the j starved soul revolted.

Opportunities for great acting are present throughout the production, and each of these was amply availed of by Madge Bellamy, as the daughter, Louise Dresser as the mother, and Barry Norton as the young man who, after vicissitude, wins the girl in marriage. Technically the picture has no blemishes at all, and there is a series of agreeable interludes when Madge Bellamy does a series of impersonations in the character of a vaudeville star. Sir Harry Lauder, A 1 Jolson and Anna Hild are singled out for her clever attention. An all-talkie comedy, “The Happy Birthday,” is a neatly worked out play which gives its cast plenty of matter to work upon. It develops to almost farcical intensity, but never gets out of hand. The talking is very distinct, and the smartness of the lines is not lost on the audience. Such films as these will soon earn great respect fpr the talkies. They prove that the stage has really got a serious rival. The Fox Movietone News has some very interesting matter, which includes a glimpse of ex-President Coolidge. He is heard to make some observations on the question of taxation. GRAND AND LYRIC “GIRLS GONE WILD”

“Girls Gone Wild,” which had its initial showing at the Grand and Lyric Theatres last night, brings to the front rank of film players the vivacious Sue Carol and the handsome Nick Stuart, who are co-featured.

The story, a highly interesting picture of modern youth gone berserk from too much freedom, is a startling commentary on the younger generation, and an indictment of over - indulgent parents as well. Miss Carol presents an authentic portrait of a spoiled daughter of wealthy , had her own way so long that she imagines she is a law unto herself. Nick Stuart, as her poor boy sweetheart, is equally effective. Through her desire for a thrill, Cabs Holworthy, enacted by Miss Carol, becomes involved in a gang vrar. Buck (Nick Stuart) attempts to extricate her, and the two of them are kidnapped by three gunmen.

“The Gateway of the Moon,” the second feature, stars beautiful Dolores Del Rio in a South American jungle story of primitive passions and white man’s greed.

“FREEDOM OF PRESS” AT ROYAL A drama of newspaper life is unfolded in “Freedom of the Press,” now at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland The picture has been taken from the original story by Peter B. Kine. A battle between the force of the sword and the power of the pen provides the theme of the story. An influential newspaper supports the law in its battle against an underworld gang, and incurs the deadly vengeance of the organisation. Romance is blended into the story by the love of Bill Ballard, a reporter, for June Wescott, the ward of the power behind the underworld. How the law finally triumphs, and how Bill and June are united are told in a series of exciting advantures. The leading players are Lewis Stone, Marceline Day and Malcolm McGregor. “Seven Footprints to Satan,” the second feature, is a thrilling mystery drama starring Thelma Todd and Creighton Hale. DANCE IN PONSONBY DRILL HALL A dance will be held in the Ponsonby Drill Hall this evening, conducted by the 15th North Auckland Regiment Colours Fund Committee to raise funds for the purchase of colours. The floor is one of the largest for dancing in Auckland, and the music will be supplied by Len. Meredith’s Adelphi Band. Dancing will continue to 11.30 p.m. Baclanova, Paramount’s Russian actress, will play an important part in "The Man I Love,” an all-talking picture now in production at the Paramount Hollywood studios.