STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 837, 4 December 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“BULLDOG DRUMMOND” Showing Konald Colma,n to the public as a comic actor of rare abilities as well as a romantic hero, “Bulldog Drummond,’’ Samuel Goldwyn’s screen version of the famous English stage melodrama is now at the Strand Theatre as an all-talkie. This is Colman’s second individual starring picture and his first chance at a comedy role since he appeared in American pictures, “Beau Geste,” “The Dark Angel,” “The Night of Love,” “The Rescue” have all exploited only his dashing handsomeness and ability in emotional acting. Mr. Goldwyn has supplied a brilliant cast to support his star in “Bulldog Drummond.”' Joan Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett and a well-known actress in her own right, appears opposite Colman in her first motion picture. The villainy of the torturing criminals of the story is supplied by Montagu Love and Lawrence Grant, masters of the menacing and sinister. Lilyan Tashman appears as the villainess who is Bulldog Drummond’s most dangerous opponent. Claude Allister, Wilson Benge, Adolph Millar and Gertrude Short carry off well adapted character roles. The story built around the adventures which befell a young demobilised English officer in search of excitement after the war, made one of the greatest melodramas of all time both in book form and as the thriller sensation of both the American and English stages some years ago. The torturelust of Dr. Lakington and the masterful criminality of his confederate, Peterson, provide a harrowing background for the love story of Bulldog Drummond’s courageous devotion to Phyllis and her unfortunate uncle. The photography of “Bulldog Drummond” is said to be one of the finest examples of modern camera work and atmospheric settings which Hollywood has yet produced. At every turn, the emotion of the succession of thrilling events is reflected in the lights and shadows and perspectives of the backgrounds. The talking supporting programme includes a Fox Movietone News, songs by Dale Smith, the baritone, and in addition the latest Eve’s Review. i ;