GRAND THEATRE

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 13

GRAND THEATRE

"THE WALTZ DREAM" AGAIN. A MATHESON LANG FILM. The world-famed opera by Richard Strauss, "The Waltz Dream," is the headliner at the Grand Theatre again this week Owing to the enormous interest taken in the film last ' week, the management hare arranged to screen this picture for an extra week. It is not often success is attended an opera when transferred to the screen but in "The Waltz Dream" the producers have accomplished this id a worthy manner. The producers aro the U.F.A. Company, who produced "Variety,' aud it is not too much to say that the second venture easily eclipses the first production. It is -dramatic to a degree, has a gripping story running through it, and the setting and music give a richness which nould be imparted in no other manner. The acting stamps the artistß as being above tho ordinary standard. Throughout the screening tho orchestra plays good music, and the "Blue Danube" waltz, so well knowD and loved •by music-lovers, predominates. The scencß are laid in Vienna, the home of somo beautiful places and buildings, and these are extremely interesting. The chief parts are •taken by Willy Fritsch, who gives an excellent characterisation of Nicholas Breyer, and Molly Christians is superb as the heroine. "The Island of Despair" is ihe second big feature, starring Matheson Lang, the great English actor. The scene is laid in the South Sea Islands. The story deals with Skipper .Rhodes, who is a hater of women, but ono da> he meets Christine, and his heart goes out to her. Her brother Colin goes with a friond to a night club, and in a gambling den he kills the card-sharper. Colin is blamed and Stephen Rhodes gets him away from the (4ub unobserved. When arranging to escape Rhodes contracts leprosy, and lie has to leave the girl and her brother to their own fate. They get away and land on the Island of Despair, not knowing that Rhodes has preceded them He shuns them when they ask. for food and shelter, still keeping his secret. Many dramatic incidents occur dnrinu their stay on.the island, and in the end Christine and Rhodes are happily wedded Matheson Lang as Stephen Rhodes has* one of his most suitable characters—that of a sea captain. He has appeared in many strong parts, but in "The Island of Despair" he is well suitel, and does hie bo3t work on the screen to date. It is & masterful characterisation. Marjory Hume plays the lead of Christine convincingly. The Stoll Picture Company have produced » really good film. ine International News" completes a first-rate programme. K