STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 334, 20 April 1928, Page 14

STRAND

CHARLIE’S LAST WEEK There is an old saying “Laugh and the world laughs with you," and the truth of this adage is eloquently proved at the Strand Theatre, which has echoed and re-echoed to the merry laughter of thousands of patrons viewing the antics of the greatest of all comedians, Charlie Chaplin, in his greatest of many great comedies, “The Circus." The picture commences with a touch of drama, the comedy not being evinced until thq arch-clown of the screen, Charlie Chaplin, flashes on to the silver sheet in his old characteristic costume—the worn, battered bowler hat, the twirling cane, the huge shoes in which he is forced to shuffle along, and the expressive moustache. His introduction into the circus sphere is also characteristically Chaplin. Charlie, unfortunately and unknowingly, becomes the accomplice of a pickpocket. The perfectly ignorant and innocent tramp, Charlie Chaplin, is suspected by the policeman, and a thrilling chase follows. Charlie takes refuge in a small circus, where he is engaged as a handy man. His awkwardness, however, causes him to lose his position, whereupon the other hands strike and Charlie is re-engaged. Erom there the theme rushes through a wonderfully amusing sequence of events, and the climax is perhaps the most unexpected that could be imagined. Preceding the photoplay is a pictuesque prologue. “The Tiny Tots’ Circus," presented by the talented little pupils of Mrae. Valeska. The impersonation of Charlie Chaplin, junr. by little Dorothy Ivatipa. is excellent. Their most intelligent elephant, Jumbo, and the other animals are most popular with all. Of outstanding importance on the supporting programme is ‘‘Memories of the Old Country," a series of views of England, Scotland and Wales, including grand old cathedrals and castles, quaint little inns, and the portrayal of historical incidents connected with them. An amusing Aesop Fable cartoon is also screened, together with an Eve’s Review containing the latest Parisian fashions in technicolour. A very bright and appropriate musical programme is rendered by Eve Bentley and her popular Strand Symphony Orchestra. which specially features as their overture “Pot Pourri." a delightful medley of favourite old gems.

An unparalleled performance is given by Dolores Del Rio, who plays the title role in the Fox special, “Loves of Carmen,” which is the next big production due to be released by that firm. Miss Del Rio possesses the fire, grace, seductiveness and physical characteristics which enable her to inject realism into the role of the Spanish cigarette girl, and her work in this part is even greater than that in “What Price Glory," the film which first brought her to the public gaze. “Loves of Carmen" is an exceptional film from the point of view that it brings together again three people who were associated in the former success. “What Price Glory.” With Miss Del Rio is Victor McLaglen, and the film is directed by Raoul Walsh. The fact that this trio is combined once again places it in a class apart.