STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 723, 24 July 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“4 DEVILS” What experts agree will prove an outstanding dramatic portrayal is that of Mary Duncan as “The Lady” in F. W. Murnau’s Fox Film superproduction, “4 Devils,” the big picture now attracting large houses at the Strand Theatre. Months before she came to the screen, Mary Duncan won high acclaim throughout America and Europe over her vivid portrayal of the role of “Poppy” in the stage production of “The Shanghai Gesture.” In “4 Devils” she makes her first screen appearance of note under the Fox Films banner. She was chosen for the part over better known screen players given tests by Murnau. Iler characterisation in this picture is that of a woman of surpassing loveliness and physical charm. Hers is a patrician heritage lor many generations. She is one of intense loves, living in luxury—her every whim is satisfied. None of her many affairs has ever culminated in anything but a temporary romance. Tier life seemed to be measured by the rule “to have, to hold and in time let go.” It is a role that calls for an emotional expression of the highest degree, and Miss Duncan aided and abetted by Murnau, rises to supreme heights in her portrayal. “4 Devils” is from an original story by Herman Bang, having as a background a circus of the Continental type. Janet Gaynor, Charles Morton, Nancy Drexel and Barry Norton, death-defying aerialists, are the principals of the story. Farrell Macdonald is featured as a clown, and gives a masterful performance. This picture is accompanied by a selected musical score played by the Roxy Theatre. New York, Orchestra, of 110 soloists.

The all-talking programme includes a Fox Movietone News, a speech by King Alfonso of Spain, and an hilarious farce, “The Bath Between,” by Clark and McCullough.