STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 687, 12 June 1929, Page 14

STRAND

“THE CANARY MURDER CASE” Louise Dresser, who has been called the “best loved actress on the screen.” gives an inspired portrayal of her role in “Mother Knows Best.” adapted from Edna Ferber’s story, the talking production of which is now drawing to the close of its season at the Strand Theatre. Madge Bellamy plays the featured role of “Sally,” the daughter whose guide and mentor was her mother—a mother who might have fought with her at times, but fought for her all the The interesting supporting programme will also be shown for two more days only. "Trick” camera shots. calling for dim lighting, deep shadows, indistinct features and the other photographic features customary in screen mystery stories are conspicuous by their absence in "The Canary Murder Case," booked for showing at the Strand Theatre next Friday. The entire dramatic story is enacted in plain view of the audience and everyone shares with the screen detective, portrayed by William Powell, all the clues uncovered. “So much of our story depends upon the reactions of our principals as shown by their facial expressions that we could not afford to resort to the old tricks of shrouding the players in shadows for no other purpose than to attempt to make things more mysterious,” said Malcolm St. Clair, who directed the Van Dine story. Powell, Jean Arthur, James Hall and Louise Brooks are featured in this Story. The full talking sequences also add to the intense realism of this fascinating picture. Startling scenes of this picture show' scores of scintillating beauties on the stage of a Broadway theatre. This is “The Canary Revue,” in which Margaret Odell has a leading role and is known as “The Canary.” Hence the name of the story. Beautiful gowns which will be announced from the Paris salons a year hence are worn by Louise Brooks and Jean Arthur in several sequences. Gripping, swift-moving action and all the thrills of a man-hunt are portrayed so graphically that the audience can grasp each clue as it is presented. There is surprise in the solution of this same story, which thrilled millions in book form. The supporting programme will be notable for the introduction of the first British “talkie” to be heard in New Zealand. This is a two-reel comedy, “Smith, Wake Up,” and will demonstrate the fine quality of the British talking productions. Other features will be views of Foch’s funeral and another Fox Movietone news.