PLAZA AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 509, 12 November 1928, Page 15

PLAZA AND TIVOLI

“THE WHEEL OF CHANCE” Richard Barthelmess. the First National star, has added another histrionic classic to his recent ‘The Noose.” in “The Wheel of Chance.” the film version of Fannie Hurst’s short story. “Roulette,” which is now at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. In “The Wheel of Chance,” Barthelmess enacts a dual role, each one a clear-cut character delineation worthy of being placed alongside his finest portrayals. The contrasting study of the two roles, that of twin brothers, presents a startling new phase of the acting ability of Barthelmess. The story of “The Wheel of Chancy” relates the dramatic adventures of twin brothers, separated in childhood by a trick of fate, and meeting again 20 years later in one of the most dramatically conceived scenes in the history of tiie motion picture. To tell more* than this would be to take away the thrills and enjoyment in witnessing “The Wheel of Chance.” Barthelmess, as usual, has been surrounded with a superlative cast, including Lina Basquette, who did such fine work in “The Noose”; Margaret Livingston as “the other woman”; Bodil Rosing, as the delicately etched mother; Warner Oland. as the father, and other important roles. A rollicking comedy set in an old Grecian city of 2,000 years ago is the second feature. This is “Vamping Venus,” starring Louise Fazenda and Charlie Murray. It is the first time these popular fun makers have teamed up, and the result is a series of the funniest situations ever screened. The possibilities for Murray and Miss Fazenda in this story are easily seen, and they make the most of their opportunities throughout the picture.