MAJESTIC

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 108, 29 December 1931, Page 7

MAJESTIC

TO-DAY AND TO-NIGHT Twin stars from two of the year's most significant pictures form a new screen combination in "Young Dono- ; van's Kid," current attraction at the Majestic Theatre. They are Richard Dix, who contributed to "Cimarron," the glamorous characterisation of Yancey Cravat, and Jackie Gooper, remarkable seven-year-old child actor who brought to life Percy Crosby's lovable "Skippy" in the feature picture of the same title. "Young Dono van's Kid" is Radio Pictures' adaptation of Rex Beach's novel, "Big Brother," a heart-inter-est story which" ranks as possibly the author's greatest piece of writing. Dix is seen as Jlm Donovan, New York gangster of the pre-war period, when bootlegging was unknown, machine guns unheard of in gang circles, and chieftains fought it out with steel fists and rugged nerve. Jackie Cooper is cast as Midge Murray, 'waif of the streets who is entrusted to tho care of Donovan, and who ultimat dy assists in the reformation of the gangster. The fact that Jackie successfully steps from his light comedy "Skippy" characterisation to the dramatic demands in this role marks him as a sterling actor. "Young Donovan's Kid," besides being entertainment for the entire family, contains a warning to the nation. The production presents a lesson of historical value in its picturisation of pre-war gangland. Comparison of the old methods, with present-day racketeering demonstrates the terrific menace to peace and security in the activities and in-' creasing power of the modern gangster. In addition to Dix and Jackie Cooper, "Young Donovan's Kid" boasts an unusually competent cast, including Marion Shilling, Frank Sheridan, Harry Tenbrook, Fred Kelsey and Boris Karlolf. Fred Niblo directed.