THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 856, 27 December 1929, Page 15

THE STRAND

“BLACKMAIL” Continued success attends the presentation at the Strand Theatre of '‘Blackmail,” the all-British production, which is the first British talkie to reach New Zealand. The cast 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 Longdcn and Donald Calthrop. The film was produced by Alfred Hitchcock at the Elstree Studios, and 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, stabs him. She subsequently falls into the hands of a subtle and cunning blackmailer, and undergoes many vicissitudes before being happily reunited with her lover. Miss Ondra is said to make an outstanding success of her portrayal in the part of the girl, a part demanding a keen appreciation of dramatic values. Longden, as the detective, proves himself a capable actor and the possessor of an excellent recording voice. Several interesting supports of the usual high standard will be shown.