STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 636, 12 April 1929, Page 15

STRAND

THIRD WEEK OF “THE SPY” “The Spy,” one long sustained thrill, directed by Fritz Lang, the man who made “Metropolis,” will this evening begin the third week of its showing at the Strand Theatre. In one of the world’s greatest cities, events were happening with nerveshuttering rapidity, throwing the Government and its secret service into a state of chaotic helplessness. Important documents, entrusted to responsible Ministers, were either stolen or copied. Secret service agents mysteriously disappeared; there was evidence that some were murdered. Crimes of ali kinds, executed with daring and masterly cunning were committed frequently, and when the perpetrators were discovered and arrested, they went to punishment, some times to death, in silence, rather than betray the master brain at the head of the organisation for which they worked. Miles Janson, head of the Secret Service, was at his wits’ end. Treachery within the ranks of Janson’s agents forewarned the arch-schemer at the head of the criminal organisation. Driven by his failures and harsh criticism to redouble his efforts, Janson summoned from abroad No. 326, his most capable and resourceful agent, whom he entrusted with the particular task of unmasking the chief culprit. The news speedily reached Max llaglik head of the great bank which bore his name, but also leader of the band of skilful desperadoes who were upsetting the whole social fabric of the nation. Beneath the bank were Haglii’s headquarters, equipped with scientific apparatus designed to aid him in his nefarious campaign. Max Haghi feared the activities of No. 326, and deputed Sonia, one of his beautiful accomplices, to entrap him. That is the beginning of a long series of exciting happenings. Willy Fritsch has the role of No. 326, Gerda Mauras that of Sonia and Rudolph Klejn- Rogge the role of Haghi. The picture is accompanied by a special musical accompaniment by the Strand Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Miss Eve Bentley. No other British picture yet produced can come up to the latest British International picture “Piccadilly,” ill which CJilda Gray, Anna May Wong, Jameson Thomas and Cyril Richards are featured. Camera work, acting and technical qualities are simply outstanding. The story is an original one by Arnold Bentiet, while the direction is in the capable hands of E. A. Dupont, whose composition is brilliant and whose detailed work is polished in the extreme. Cinema Art Films will be releasing “Piccadilly” shortly throughout the Dominion.