CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 865, 8 January 1930, Page 15

CIVIC

SUCCESS OF “FLIGHT” Planes darting and swooping through the clouds, loop-the-loops, death-defy-ing parachute jumps, tailspins, thrilling battle formations, hazardous landings and blazing planes—these are some of the thrills that held the audience at the Civic Theatre breathless in “Flight,” the Columbia all-talking roadshow attraction about the airmen of the Marines. This vivid and intimate story of the love and adventures of two heroic and daring flyers in the United States Marine Corps, reunites Jack Holt, j Ralph Graves and director Frank R. > Capra. Again these three men have scored. Holt and Graves make a wonderful team. For the interpretation of sheer drama and the sincerity of character delineation, these two are the perfect combination. The direction of Frank R. Capra is flawless. The film is supercharged with action and drama. An exciting football game, a beautiful Damon and Pythias friendship between two daredevil aviators, a three cornered love affair involving the two buddies which culminates in a smashing climax, the dramatisation of the Sandino uprising in Nicaragua and the most sensational air feats ever photographed are all incorporated in this photodramatie treat. Lila Lee enacts the leading feminine role with a charm that is delightful and refreshing. Ted Henkel’s stage presentation, entitled “Divertissement,” opens with a graceful “Bouquet of Flowers” dance by the Civic ballet girls, followed by exhibitions of dancing by Ramon and Madeline, and by Pedro. Mr. Henkel introduces individual members of his band, the ballet dances “The Breakaway,” and Fred Scholl at the grand organ pleases everyone with his playing of Paderewski’s ‘ Minuet” and the laughing novelty, “The Clown.”

Taking advantage of the recent lifting of the ban against motion pictureplayers flying, Clarence Brown used three transport planes in carrying the entire cast and technical crew of the company making “A Woman of Affairs,” the new John Gilbert-Greta Garbo vehicle to and from location trips during the filming of the production. The film, “Wonder of Women,” i c adapted from Hermann Sudermann's famous novel, “The Wife of Stephen Tromholt,” and was directed by Clarence Brown, with Stone. Peggy Wood, famous stage scar, Leila Hyarns. Harrv Myers. Sarah Paddon, George Fawcett and other noted players in the cast.