“THE LADY LIES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 887, 3 February 1930, Page 15

“THE LADY LIES”

STRAND’S GREAT VARIETY PROGRAMME AUCKLAND SOUND PICTURES The Lady Lies”—this is the title to the gripping feature picture of the new programme at the Strand Theatre, which was shown on Saturday night for the first time, and which will run throughout the week. The -whole programme is of outstanding merit, with a great combination of contrasts, and “The Lady Lies,” although the main picture, does not overshadow the rest of the programme, which is of a great variety of subjects seldom seen in talkie pictures. The feature picture illustrates remarkable acting, and the theme, difficult in itself, but gripping to follow, is capably handled. In the cast are players most distinguished on the stage, and so the theatregoer is entertained with high-class acting and clear speaking, while intermingled in all is an abundance of humour. Walter Huston, Claudette Colbert, and Charles Kuggle.s are the trio of stars. The lives of a widower and his two children are dealt with in the picture. The father falls in love with, a fascinating woman. The children return home after a term at boarding-school, and not until then are they aware of their father’s associations with a woman. For a time the relationship between the father and children is threatened, and early in their lives the children face a difficult reality. But most of it is all a misunderstanding, and it is eventually cleared up, and harmony is restored. The picture is dramatic, and there are “blue parts,” but these are always brightened by the humour of Buggies, who is for the most part slightly intoxicated. The supporting programme may indeed earn the praise of the feature picture. A sound picture of the Manners airdrome and the Auckland Aero Club’s activities adds considerable interest to the entertainment, and one follows the airplane through various stunts with uncanny reality. Then there is one of the finest presentations on the talkie screen in the immortal “1812” overture. Here Tschaikowsky conveys the story in music of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the burning of Moscow. But not only in music, for in the background the occasion is delicately screened. Then the music played by Hr. Hugo Reisenfeld’s symphony orchestra of 75 players is another true indication of the rapidly growing success of the sound picture. A sound cartoon of ridiculous comedy provides great amusement, while a good programme is completed with a series of pictures of interesting world events.

GRAND THEATRE Ronald Colman’s fine talkie, “Bulldog Drummond,’’ is now at tbe Grand Theatre. The story built around the adventures which befell a young demobilised English officer in search of excitement after the war, made one of the greatest melodramas of all time both in book form and as the thriller sensation of both the American and English stages some years ago. The torturelust of Dr. Rakington and the masterful criminality of his confederate, Peterson, provide a harrowing background for the love story of Bulldog Drummond’s courageous devotion to Phyllis and her unfortunate uncle. The photography of “Bulldog Drummond” is said to be one of the finest examples of modern camera work and atmospheric settings which Hollywood has yet produced. At every turn, the emotion of the succession of thrilling events is reflected in the lights and shadows and perspectives of the backgrounds.

DIXIELAND CABARET The usual night of dancing will be held at the Dixieland Cabaret this evening. Dancing will be enjo'-ed to a late hour to music by the Dixieland Dance Band.