STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 903, 21 February 1930, Page 16

STRAND

“RIO RITA” ‘Rio Rita” commences today the second week of its season at the Strand Theatre. The spectacular nature of the production has been enhanced by the picture having been filmed in colour, and the brilliant costumes, the picturesque backgrounds and the lavish settings provide a riot of colour. Bebe Daniels, who, by her personality and accomplished acting, has endeared herself to Auckland audiences, has the principal feminine role. Her portrayal of the fascinating Mexican girl "Rio Rita” eclipses, however, all her previous characterisations. The singing of Miss Daniels is a feature of the picture. The leading male role is played by John Boles, an experienced and clever artist, whose voice is also heard to advantage. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey are largely responsible for the genuine comedy in which the play abounds. Other prominent artists are Dorothy Lee and Georges Benevant. The thrilling action of the story takes place in the mountains of Mexico, where the captain of the Texas Rangers is seeking a notorious bandit, Kinkajou. How the identity of the mysterious bandit is revealed and the complications that ensue before the film is brought to a happy conclusion make an absorbing story. There is also a splendid supporting programme. ROXY TWO TALKIES The Roxy Theatre continues to present two entirely new talking pictures and as both of them are 100 per cent, dialogue, this new programme is an exceptional one. The chief film is “Acquitted,” a battle of wits in which a girl combats forces stronger than herself, and triumphs. Margaret Livingston, Lloyd Hughes and Sam Hardy are the stars in this exciting underworld story. The second big picture is “Light Fingers,” the thrilling adventures and beautiful romance of “Light Fingers,” the elusive cracksman who terrorised and baffled the police. lan Keith and Dorothy Revier are the stars. TIVOLI THEATRE “The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu” is the talkie now at- the Tivoli Theatre, and is an exceptionally thrilling mystery tale of revenge from the novel by Sox Rohmer. Warner Oland ’ is splendid in the title, and O. P. Heggie is the detective, with Jean Arthur and Neil Hamilton in prominent supporting roles. A number of shorter talkie items are also being shown. A second big attraction this evening will be the first screening here of “The Mississippi Gambler,” a romantic story of the old “Show Boat” days, starring the splendid actor, Joseph Schildkraut. Maurice Vancam, the “King ot Tramps,” who is engaged on a walk around the world, will make a person;:! appearance this evening.