STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 855, 26 December 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“BLACKMAIL” .“Blackmail,” the all-Britlsli talkie production, is continuing its most successful season at the Strand Theatre. The east is composed entirely of British actors, and the English voices are a feature. Anny Ondra, described as the most beautiful actress on the screen, has the leading part, and is responsible for an excellent portrayal. Others in the cast are John Longden and Donald Calthrop. The film was produced by Alfred Hitchcock at the Elstree Studios, arjd the City of London forms the setting against which the picture has been filmed.

The story deals with a young and innocent London girl, who, after a slight quarrel with her sweetheart, a detective, is engaged in a Chelsea artist’s studio. The artist by his attentions annoys the girl, who, in a state of fright, shoots him. She subsequently falls into the hands of a subtle and cunning blackmailer, and undergoes many vicissitudes before being happily united with her lover. Miss Ondra makes an outstanding sucdess of her portrayal in the part of the girl, a part demanding a keen appreciation of dramatic values. Longdon, as the detective, proves himself a capable actor and the possessor of an excellent recording voice. Bright supporting items are also shown, making in all a splendid holiday programme.