STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 676, 30 May 1929, Page 15

STRAND

“MOTHER KNOWS BEST” Auckland’s first ‘TOO per cent talkie,” entitled “In Old Arizona,” which lias been screening at the Strand Theatre for the past few weeks, will be presented for the last time this evening. Every woman is entitled to love. That is the underlying theme of “Mother Knows Best,” Fox Films picturisation of Edna Ferber’s novel, which comes to the Strand Theatre tomorrow. It is a talking picture. Featured in the picture are Madge Bellamy, Louise Dresser and Barry Norton. From the day that the Ferber story swept the country and aroused all sorts of conjectures as to just which mother and daughter were meant by the authoress, film fans have awaited the screen version and their waiting will be well worth the effort when they see the picture. Directed by John Blystone, who specialises in poignant drama, it carves a new niche in the cinema hall of fame, for both Madge Bellamy, who is seen as the daughter, and Louise Dresser, reaching the peak of character portrayal as the mother. The rise to theatrical success of the daughter guided by the mother, who tights with her and for her always, brings its day of reckoning when the daughter has her first and only romance with a. young vaudeville actor. She declares that she is entitled to what every woman is entitled—love—and accuses the mother of stifling that love. “Mother Knows Best” is said to be one of the most human documents that ever has been brought to the screen. The supporting company includes Albert Oran, Joy Auburn, Stuart Erwin and Lucien Littlefield. The critic of the "New York Journal” said of this film:

* The picture, which was adapted from Edna Ferber's ironically penetrating story of back-stage life, is intenselv absorbing. It will hold your interest, because it has everything that spells entertainment. Louise Dresser, as the mother, is superb, playing with an artistry that commands admiration. Madge Bellamy, as Sally Quail, the daughter who allows mother to manage her career and her life, does some excellent work. And Barry Norton, as the song writer with whom she falls in love despite her mother’s constant surveillance, is a romantic young hero. Miss Dresser’s characterisation and the development of the picture are so expertly sincere.” A really outstanding programme of short talkie supports will also be presented.