STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 139, 2 September 1927, Page 15

STRAND

BIG DOUBLE PROGRAMME

At the {Strand to-day commences a big double programme, which should appeal to everyone. The first big feature is “The Little Irish Girl.” Can

love reform a crooked young girl whose desire for excitement has made her the leader of a band of confidence men? Such is the problem that forms the theme of “The Little Irish Girl,” in which Dolores ’ostello plays the leading role. Miss Costello plays a hard-boiled girl who has served as a decoy for a group

of grafters, but who finds herself falling in love with one of their best victims, an honest, handsome country boy, played by John Harron. The ruthless brains of the band t played by Mathew Betz, threatens to kill her if she confesses, and she is powerless to help the boy she loves and his old grandmother. They stay at the country hotel owned by granny, and plot to obtain her property, which is valuable because of the mineral springs on the grounds. Although the backbone of the plot is melodramatic, the treatment is comedic. There is a resemblance to the O. Henry stories in the surprising snap-ihe-wliip finish. Then comes a picture which none should miss, the William Fox screen version of the famous play “The Auctioneer.” Alfred E. Green not only got a great picture out of “The Auctioneer” for Fox Films — he had a great kick out of making the production as well, especially the scenes in the pawnshop. Into these scenes he introduced a lively kangaroo to make life interesting for George Sidney, who plays the part of the auctioneer, and Sammy Cohen, his boy. Mo. Doris Lloyd. Marion Nixon, and Gareth Hughes complete the cast. ‘The Auctioneer’” was the play in which David Warfield established himself as a great dramatic actor. Jlie piece was written by Charles Klein and Lee Arthur. L. G. Rigby wrote the screen version. The Strand Symphony Orc.hestra will play a bright musical introduction, and will speci.•illy feature “Irish Melodies.” The latest topical budgets and world news will be included in the supporting programme.