ORIGINAL, PIQUANT, ENTICING: “JOANNA.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17878, 21 June 1926, Page 7

ORIGINAL, PIQUANT, ENTICING: “JOANNA.”

STRONG CAST APPEARS IN STAR FEATURE AT EVERYBODY’S. It may be the amazing sophistication of the thing; it may be its sympathy and humanness; it may be its levity and drama, but, whatever it is, “Joanna,” the big First National attraction that will be shown at Everybody’s Theatre to-day, has it. This piquant and enticing story, based on something that is delightfully original, is treated throughout in a manner that is reminiscent of the greater screen plays that have been presented. Its plot, if plot it would be called, is sufficiently interesting to cause the staidest to pause and ponder. Take a typical modern girl, present her with a million dollars, and then sit back and watch. How many would be willing to take the bet that she would not retain her self-respect? Apart from the piquancy of the situation, there is a psychological interest attached to the case, for the modern girl is always being placed under the microscope. However, in “Joanna,” the verdict is one to please all, for the girl takes the million, asks no questions, and commences, and she most emphatically was not among the “also started.” In such a precarious position, it is but to be expected that Joanna burns her fingers, and after a logical series of the most bewildering events, the picture comes to as sensational an ending as is but natural to so swiftly-moving a drama. Dorothy Mackaill as Joanna is as clever and delightful a heroine for this particular type of story as one could wish. She has a complete understanding of the girl Joanna typifies, and as that girl has a heart of gold under her frivolous exterior, Miss Mackaill makes her a thoroughly lovable character. Appearing opposite the star is Jack Mulhall, whose work is likewise of a high order. Others in the cast are George Fawcett. John Murray and Dolores del Rio. The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.