STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 692, 18 June 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“THE CANARY MURDER CASE”

“The Canary Murder Case,” -which as a novel swept America, more than 100,000 copies being sold, is even more enjoyable as a moving picture than as a book. The geat detective story, written by the mysterious S. S. Van Dine, has been made into an all-talking picture, and is now at the Strand Theatre. For thrilling, swift-moving action, free from the hokum and “tricks” which characterise many so-called mystery pictures. “The Canary Murder Case” is a perfection of writing, acting and directing. Each step of the stirring story is revealed to the audience as the plot progresses, making every spectator a part of the gripping drama. The mystery commences when “The Canary,” the notorious blonde beauty of Broadway, was found strangled in her luxurious apartments. Johnny Spotswoode, young and wealthy, in love with her friend, was last seen with her. Alys La Fosse had quarrelled with her over a man-about-town. Or was it Tony Skeel, gangster, who threatened her for her money? Or Louis Mannix, who was threatened by the Canary, and feared her? Then there was Dr. Lindquist, sinister, secretive, who was insanely jealous of her amours, as Charles Cleave, shady politician, was afraid of her knowledge of his life? The farther the police looked into the case the more there were who became implicated. Thrills and action are in plenty in this master mystery up to the amazing denouement. The big cast talks ail the time. Ihe stars include William Bow ell. as a detective, Ijouise Brooks as the victim, Jan Arthur as her friend, and James Hall as Johnny Spottswoode. The short talkie features on the remainder of the programme include Fox Movietone News, and the first British talkies to be heard in New Zealand. These are scenes and sounds of the ceremony at the London Cenotaph last Armistice Day, and a comedy entitled “Smith Wakes Up."