STRAND THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19814, 30 December 1929, Page 6

STRAND THEATRE.

AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME.

Uhristchurch is well acquainted with fires, and the excitement accruing thereto, so that it can be surmised that the main picture at the Strand Theatre this week, "The Fire Brigade," will be of great interest. The title should be sufficient to indicate the theme, and the story centres round the activities of a wicked millionaire, and a rascally " -firm of build-ars, who plot to erect dangerous buildings, which are liable to catch fire. May McAvoy, as Helen Corwirt. however, is the beautiful and virtuous daughter of the millionaire, and together with Terry O'Neill, a handsome young fireman, she "thwarts the plotting* of the "firebugs." Although the conclusion is sadly conventional, it is an exciting picture. Bewitching Frances Cuyler is the star in "A Peep Behind the Scenes," a melodrama, of show life. Her • part is that of Rosalie, tnc daughter of the owner of a travelling 1 fair, and a glamorous background to her uniiappiness is provided by the big tent, where midgets, giants, and fortune-tellers hold sway. Apart from the interest of Rosalie's story'i * ne queer members of the company provide good entertainment. The tSearded Woman is seen in her booth; the Human Skeleton provokes the wonder of a simplo audience; the Mermaid emerges from tier tank; and much humorous relief is lurking in unexpected •-orners, as wh"n the strong man is painfully brow-beaten by his tittle wife.

•fTiis excellent- programme- includes a. Bcenic, a topical, and a comedy, all of a high, standard.