STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 972, 15 May 1930, Page 16

STRAND

“FOOTLIGHTS AND FOOLS” Irene Bordoni’s delightful French revue, partly in colours, entitled “Paris,” will, together with its accompanying programme, have its final screening at the Strand Theatre this evening. Uniform excellence in the cast of Colleen Moore’s new talking picture, “Footlights and Fools,” from the charming star down to the least important player, makes this First National and Vitaphone special, coming on Friday, one of the most engrossing and convincing productions yet to reach the audible screen, in the opinion of many critics. An imposing group of players is presented in “Footlights and Fools,” Producer John McCormick having selected the cast for this sparkling comedy-drama with the greatest care. Miss Moore, whose delightful personality and exceptional dramatic talent have often been demonstrated, 'is afforded a splendid opportunity in her characterisation, which calls upon her to speak with a French accent during part of the story, and includes comedy and drama in generous proportions. Opposite Miss Moore are two highly competent actors, Raymond Hackett and Frederic March, in roles of such equal importance that both may be said to be her leading men. Hackett, whose successes in “The Trial of Mary Dugan” and “Madame X” have carried him to the front rank of screen players within a few months, brings to his characterisation the experience of years on the stage. March won a large following by his excellent work in “The; Dummy” and “The Wild Party,” the first pictures in which he appeared after leaving the stage. Virginia Lee Corbin, erstwhile child actress, has graduated into adult characterisations, and a prominent comedy role with ability, while Mickey Bennett, the 13-year-old actor who pipped such an outstanding part in “The Dummy” with March, contributes additional humour.

O. P. Heggie, Shayle Gardner and David Dunbar, the three Scotland Yard detectives in “The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu,” Paramount’s alltalking mystery play, were born in the Antipodes. Heggie and Dunbar are from Australia and Gardner from New Zealand.