STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 161, 28 September 1927, Page 15

STRAND

VARIED ENTERTAINMENT Sparkling comedy, varied entertainment and bright music are all included in the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Heading the bill are two big feature pictures; first, a gay comedy, “Footloose Widows,” and second, an exciting outdoor story, “California.” This latter story was written especially for the screen by Peter B. Kyne. As Captain Gillespie, U.S.M.C., in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer historical Western production, “California,” Tim McCoy is seen in by far the most interesting story and role that star has ever before attempted. McCoy is a gallant lover, a hard fighter, a little of the swashbuckler—the sort of a man who appeals to women with his pleasant screen personality and his distinctly military figure. His latest story deals with that romantic period in which took place the American conquest of California. As an Americano, McCoy is despised by the Californians, save one senorita, who would have despised him had she been able to do so. It is a story of romance, intrigue and battle against a colourful background of love and doubt. Dorothy Sebastian plays the role of the senorita, and the picture was directed by W. S. Van Dyke. The cast is not made up of especially big screen names but each member is suited to his role and his interpretation is very close to perfect. The Warner Brothers’ feature, “Footloose Widows,” is a dramatisation of the famous Beatrice Burton newspaper serial of the same name. In the piece the bewitching comedienne, Louise Fazenda, is featured with Jacqueline Logan. Roy Del Ruth has directed. In support of the feature pictures are the Strand Magazine, and a merry Aesop Fable, cartoon. “Happy-Go-Luckies.” A sparkling musical interlude is played by the Strand Symphony Orchestra, and excellent and appropriate music rendered throughout the entertainment.