STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 699, 26 June 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“THE CANARY MURDER CASE” “The Canary Murder Case,” one of the most baffling’ detective stories written, was made into an exciting ailtalking picture and is now at the Strang Theatre. Six men were suspected of the murder ol’ the flashing and beautiful Broadway Chorus Queen, “The Canary,” a lovely show girl, but cold and calculating. One person killed her, but circumstances and motives are established during the investigation of the crime which point to each of the six men as the murderer. Each has a powerful reason for wishing her dead. Possibly no more outstanding cast has been assembled for one picture than that of “The Canary Murder Case.” William Powell, Louise Brooks, James Hall and Jean Arthur, the principals, have all attained most prominent positions on the silent screen, and it seems that they must now reach equal heights in talking pictures. All are heard in, the dialogue, which runs throughout the whole length of the picture, and even those in less important parts are given their share of talking. The voices are heard as they sound in reality; every inflection is distinct and even the swift ejaculations following upon a series of startling discoveries, are heard to perfection. The first of a series of English talkies which are to be presented by the Strand management is now being screened on the same programme as “The Canary Murder Case.” All people will respond to the solemn record of the Armistice Hay ceremony at the Cenotaph in London. In spite of the bleak, grey day, the photography is perfect. The extent of the public assemblage is fully shown and the sound of the martial music from the great bands of the British Army is marvellously recorded. In the picture the event loses none of its impressiveness. Every detail of sound comes through clearly—the shrill of the Last Post and the solemn billowing music of the hymns.