STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 674, 28 May 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“IN OLD ARIZONA” There was a general belief that the talkies would be for a long time, if not for ever, a severely cramped dramatic form, because of the necessity of confining the action to soundproof studios wherein the actors were obliged to adjust themselves to hampering rules compelled by unavoidable mechanical limitations. That idea is dismissed at one sweep with the new 100 per cent, talkie, “in Old Arizona,” now at the Strand Theatre. Witnessing this talk-spectacle the audienice is not made aware of any limitations whatever to the synchronising of dialogue and pictures outdoor or indoors. The drama moves freely and breezily from the widest open spaces to the smallest interiors, and it keeps talking all the time. “In Old Arizona” is the first fulllength talking outdoor picture to be made. Clear, vibrant, unforced, the speech of the characters comes startlingly close to that which has behind it the breath of life. In fact, “In Old Arizona* is nothing short of triumphant. Warner Baxter as tho bandit has never been seen in a portrayal that is presented with so much feeling. Edmund Lowe is again a sergeant, while Dorothy Burgess’s performance of Tonia Maria is a classic. The excellent programme of short “talkie” features includes songs by the Royal Hawaiian singers, songs by Beatrice Lillie, well-known in London musical comedy shows, and a soundsynchronised gazette. DIXIELAND CABARET Dixieland’s huge winter ball has been arranged fox* Monday next, June 3, when everything promises the finest dancing event of the season. The famous Dixieland Dance Band will provide new musical selections, and there will be a number of cabaret items pi'osented by Miss Gwenth Macnaughton, of the St. Andrews Academy of Dancing. Dancing will be continued from 5.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.