MAJESTIC

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 December 1931, Page 2

MAJESTIC

TO-NIGHT What is easily the finest glorifieation of the audible screen was given its local premiere at the Majestic Theatre last night in Frank Lloyd's. production of "East Lynne," with Ann Harding, Clive Brook, Conrad Nagel and a brilliant cast of truly popular players. There is so much to commend this Fox Movietone that to attempt to describe it with a single phrase is a great injustice. In the first place, "East Lynne" in this case becomes the screen's most notable achievernent, an accomplishment that vibrates with rare entertainment from beginning to' end. Secondly, the story, adapted from Mrs. Wood's novel by Tom Barry and Bradley King, moves swiftly and develops with such dramatic power and consistency that the two hours consumed in unfolding it seem but mere minutes. Thirdly, Ann Harding achieves new laurels and justifies the eharacterisation of the screen's "greatest emotional actress." A lovelier Isabel, certainly, has never been seen on stage or screen. She lives the role every inch of the way. She radiates with an incomparable beauty and sincerity that contributes importantly to the success of the picture. In the. fourth place, Conrad Nagel and Clive Brook give characterisations that will add much to their popularity. The latter does the outstanding work of his career as Levison. Conrad Nagel is at his best as the ambitious young lawyer, influenced by his spinster sister, who makes an outcast of his wife. The supporting cast is an unusually important one, including Beryl Mercer, Cecilia Loftus, 0. P. Heggie and David Torrence. The direction of Fi;ank Lloyd is flawless and the settings by the famous Joseph Urban enhance the picture. The Movietone adaptation of "East Lynne" differs considerably from other stage or screen versions. It concerns the rebellion of a dutiful wife, ruled by the jealous sister of her husband,- who is driven away from her baby and forced to carry on an affair with her husband's best friend, who has always loved her and who gives his life in protecting her.