STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 119, 10 August 1927, Page 15

STRAND

BON BON REVUE CO. One of the best shows ever presented at the Strand is the Robert Roberts’ Bon Bon Revue Company and the exciting Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, “The Show.” No one can tire of the whirlwind of variety provided by the Robert Roberts’ Revue Company. It contains comedy, music, song, jest, dancing, ensembles, beautiful dressing, gorgeous scenery and everything that a brilliantly clever mind can cram into one night’s entertainment. Mr. Robert Roberts, the producer of this sparkling show, aims at snap, variety and pep served in a high-class manner, and to say that he has successfully achieved his object is baldly stating the case—he has achieved a remarkable and brilliant success. No harder worker or generous helper could be found in any company, and he has the whole-hearted co-operation of his many clever supports. The show sparkles from beginning to end. It is just a case of making up one’s mind as to which is the best scene of all —each in itself being a delightful packet of surprises. Mr. Robert Roberts is particularly successful as a producer, and as a comedian he is equally efficient.

The versatility of John Gilbert is something to marvel at. No two of his roles have been alike, yet of each he has made a real and convincing characterisation. And never has the star of "The Big Parade” appeared to better advantage than he * does in his new starring vehicle foi Mayer, “The Show.’

This is a colourful and intriguing story of the Hungarian underworld. Gilbert is seen as a “spruiker” in a sideshow, one of his most vivid portrayals. Particularly fine are his scenes together with Renee Adoree, which rival those in which this pair appeared in “The Big Parade.” With her usual keen sense of dramatic values, Miss Adoree plays the part of “Salome,” a dancer, and Lionel Barrymore contributes a remarkable piece of character acting in the role of a Greek villain. Dorothy Sebastian, Edward Connelly and other favourites make up the cast of supporting players. Tod Browning, famous for his direction of “The Unholy Three,” is responsible for “The Show.” Under his masterly hand, the unusual story moves with increasing interest until the thrilling climax. The settings are both picturesque and unique, and worthy of special mention.