STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 984, 29 May 1930, Page 17

STRAND

“THE CASE OF SERGEANT GRISCHA” The picture -world is open to con- i viction. Hollywood is not averse from | breaking- an established rule if progress lies in a totally different direction. Take the case of Radio Pictures for example. Here was a company apparently embarked on a series of musical productions. Melody was to be the thing. But sheer drama wasn't going to be neglected, it became evident, when the announcement was made that Herbert Brenon would produce Arnold Zweig’s powerful war story, “The Case of Sergeant Grischa,” - for this organisation. Here was no tunefulness, light comedy, gorgeous melody, instead, stark, gripping drama against the bleak and bitter background of war-time Poland. A record of elemental struggle with sweep and power. Faithfulness to the original and the most perfect casting obtainable characterise the film version, according to Herbert Brenon. For weeks the problem of casting was uppermost in the famous director’s mind. Possibilities were considered, weeded out; someroles were filled. Betty Compson was chosen to play Babka, the leading feminine character in the story, and Chester Morris found, after considerable searching, for the role of Grischa. The story was whipped into shape for filming. Vast research data was accumulated to aid in supplying surroundings and background correct. to the smallest detail. “The Case of Sergeant Grischa” at the Strand Theatre today is a picture that is definitely made for an intelligent audience. Stark, tense drama from Zweig’s complete novel teaching the lesson of the futility of war. “The Case of Sergeant Grischa” is a grim story, because it is truly a picture of war, and war in any condition is gruesome, to the thinking audience. However, “The Case of Sergeant Grischa” inevitably points a moral, and presents a case for those enlightened leaders of international thought who are now working unceasingly for world peace and security The Strand’s new programme, will also include a number of speciallyselected talkie supports. .