MAJESTIC

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 192, 7 April 1932, Page 2

MAJESTIC

TO-NIGHT In "Within the Law," Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer's talkie version of Bayard Yeiller's stage success of the same name, which opens to-night at the Majestic Theatre, Joan Crawford takes her place among the screen's foremost dramatic stars. Her portrayal of Mary Turnerj-the hhop girl sent to prison although innocent, is done with a depth and understanding that comes as a revelafion even to those who have had every confidence in the young actress. Her performance is a flawless one and is destined to rank with that of Jane Cowl who created ] the role on.the stage 18 years ago. 1 From the opening scene in the j courtroom to the final fadeout, the ' picture never loses its momentum. Suspense is strained to the utmost and realism is carried so far as to actually make Miss Crawford look dirty and illkempt in certain scenes, a rare sacrifice on the part of an attractive screen personage. Robert Armstrong in the role of Joe Garson, the crook upon whom Mary Turner relies to avenge herself upon an unjust society, holds the honours in the supporting cast, while Marie Prevost as Aggie, another member of the underworld gang, comes a close second for acting merit. Attention is also drawn to Kent Douglass, a newcomer to the screen, who plays opposite the star in the romantic lead. Much promise^ is seen in this new juvenile who not only has good looks to his credit, but an abundant supply of acting* ability. Others who are exceptionally well cast include John Miljan as the suave police inspector, Purnell Pratt, Hale Hamilton, Robert Emmett O'Connor, Tyrrell Davis, William Bakewell, Gwen Lee and Isabel Wither.