STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 859, 31 December 1929, Page 14

STRAND

“THE GREENE MURDER CASE” This evening and tomorrow evening sees the final presentation at the Strand Theatre of the exceptionally' fine all-talking film, “Blackmail.” This film was the first big talkie made in the British studios, and has been acclaimed as one of the finest talkie mystery-dramas ever made. The cast of London stage players who enact the chief roles includes Anny Ondra, John Longden, and Cyril Ritchard. The excellent talkie supporting items will also be screened for the last time tomorrow. If only one reason were needed for the continued success of talking moving pictures, that reason could well be William Powell. Plere is an actor who was seemingly' born for the talkies. Brilliant performer that he appeared to be in his earlier work in the noiseless mummery' of the silent screen, he is by contrast a veritable demi-god of dramatics in the newly vocalised screen world. Mr. Powell plays the role of Philo Vance, detective, in “The Greene Murder Case.” the . Strand’s new attraction on Frida " It is a great play, thrilling, tense: packed with action and amazing plot situations. It is better than “The Canary Murder Case,” becau -:c the crimes seem more baffling of solution, because the storv carries a greater number of amazing surprises. It deals with the misfortunes of the strange Greene family, a bed-ridden paralytic mother, and her four children. With a fortune at stake should she die, the household is suddenly gripped by a series of tragic killings. It is top-notch entertainment. Well it should be. It has great plot material, a supporting cast which includes Florence Eldridge, Morgan Farley, Jean Arthur, E. H. Calvert, Eugene Pallette, and many other stage-trained actors.