STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 833, 29 November 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“BULLDOG DRUMMOND” Backed -with an impressive cast and a reputation as one of the greatest melodramas u£ all time in both book and drama form “Bulldog Drummond” comes to the Strand Theatre today, as Ronald Column's second individual starring picture and his first opportunity to play a genuine comedy role since he entered American pictures. Samuel Goldwyn, producer of “Bulldog Drummond,” determined last year on securing this famous stage thriller for Ills male star and finally won out over the earnest competition of two of the -largest picture producing organisations in Hollywood. . Supporting Ronald Colman in lus role of the young demobilised British army officer hungry for adventure and finding it, are Joan Bennett, Montagu Dove. Lilyan Tashman, Claude Allister, Lawrence Grant and other names of the first rank in moviedom. “Bulldog Drummond” marks the first appearance on the screen of Joan Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, and a well known stage actress in her own right. R* Richard Jones, who came prominently into public notice as the director of “The Gaucho” for Douglas Fairbanks, wielded the megaphone for "Bulldog Drummond.” The story of “Bulldog Drummond, written bv “Sapper,” is already familiar to thousands. It puts its hero into a fierce struggle with a gang of criminals whose methods of procedure are based on the fiendish torturing ability of Dr. Lakington, a physician who delights in inflicting pain. The combination of these sinister elements with the lo\e storv of Drummond's romance with Phyllis, whose uncle lias fallen. into the criminal’s hands, makes a thrilling storv which is sail to bring audiences out of their seats with excitement. Many unusual effects have been achieved through the use of futuristic settin-s and modernistic lighting arrangements. The mood of enure •sequences has been accentuated means of the backgrounds prepared bv Producer Goldwyn’s art staff. ‘Ronald Colman’s appearance in this film as a fine comic actor in addition to his well known dashing seriousness will show a new Colman to the public, and "sinking - featurettes will also be presented this evening.