MAJESTIC

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 160, 29 February 1932, Page 6

MAJESTIC

TO-NIGHT From the play by John Galsworthy same writer. There is little action in the picture, and the scenes* are limited to one or two rooms, but the acting of Arliss makes it great, an opinion concurred in by the public Hollywood does not believe in starring veteran actors, but here we have one who is the whole works;-for no. other person is of any real importance j compared with the aged ship-owner, | whose personality is so vigorous and vivid, whose spirit is so high, and sense of humour so keen that the story connected with him seems as enthralling as any we have seen, while the interest never slackens from first to last. Arliss played the same part for three years on the stage in London. As Sylvanus Heythorp he is the grandfather of Phyllis (Betty Lawford) and Joclc Lane (Leon, Janney), descendants of a youthful love affair, and the plot is concerned with his successful efforts to thwart the vengeful lawyer Ventnor — well portrayed by Murray Kinnell — and provide for said ( grandchildren while keeping himself out of the bankruptcy court. Anyone who has watched the little ways of quite old people will recognise the perfect fidelity to life shown by Arliss in this remarkable performance, and the significance of every movement, however slight, the flicker of an eyelid, the twist of his lips, and each sign of anger, contempt, amuse-' ment, of pathos and regret. The picture is admirably directed by Alfred E. Green. The supporting cast includes Doris Lloyd, Harrington Reynolds, Ivan Simpson — as Joe Pillin — and others.