PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 721, 22 July 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“LOVE NEVER DIES” If love levels all ranks, it also overshadows even events of world import, so far as lovers are concerned. And as most of the world is composed of lovers and all the world loves them, it is not surprising that “Love Never Dies,” First National’s big new special which is now at the Plaza Theatre, with Colleen Moore as the star, enthralls by reason of the love story it tells to even a gveater extent than because of the World War background. First National lias supplied a picture, perfectly directed by George Fitzmaurice, wherein a little French girl and an English aviator are the principals. Colleen Moore is the girl, Jeannine, and Gary Cooper is the young ace. Both contribute brilliant performances. The audience responded to the magnificent scenes of the air battles; the movements of the troops from a provincial village before the enemy advance—all of which were marvel-, lously presented. But it wept with Colleen Moore, laughed with her, longed, as she did, for peace, that love might not be thwarted in its purpose. The work of the star is of that quality which defies the critic’s analysis. She simply is the character she portrays. It is more than acting; it is consummate art. Miss Moore has added to her list of screen portrayals one that can be definitely assigned to a place at the very apex.. Gary Cooper, who flashed across the screen as a new luminary in “Beau Sabreur” and “The Legion of the Condemned,” excels all previous efforts in his role. Burr Mclntosh deserves credit, as do George Cooper, Jack Stone and every other member of the cast. It is inevitable that for many years to come the World War will throw its shadow over pictures, plays and books. But so long as it is tinctured with an exquisite romance, such as that in “Lilac Time,” none will regret reference to that hectic period in the history of the world.

A number of excellent short talkie features are also presented. There are some charming Southern songs by Mary Lewis, of the Metropolitan Grand Opera, New York, a humorous sketch by Clyde Cook, banjo items by Max Schepp. jazz by Abe Lyman's Orchestra, and humorous items by Val and Ernie Stanton.