MAJESTIC THEATRE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 254, 18 June 1932, Page 3

MAJESTIC THEATRE

TO-DAY AND TO-N11GHT Chills that tickle your spine with fingers of ice; thrills that make your heart jump like a Mexican jumping bean; a story packed with suspense; use of the eamera that by the magic of illusion makes the spectator think he is participating in the solution of a baffling crime; and half a dozen of the best performanbes seen this season — they're all in "The Spider," the Fox mystery melodrama which opens to-day at the Majetsic Theatre. Students of the newer modes in mystery fiction — whether of the stage, screen or in literature — will find every element dear to their hearts in this elaborate Fox version of Fulton Oursler's and Lowell Brentano's famous stage play. A murder is committed in the audidence during a magician's presentation of his programme and police officials and detectives crowd the stage. All exits are guarded and every member of the audience is under technical arrest while police attempt to solve the mystery. The unraveling of the puzzle by means of a spiritualistic seance and other magical wonders provide a thrilling closeup of criminolgy never before presented on the screen. Edmund Lowe in the leading role of Chatrand the Great is the oustanding feature of the picture, and his perfoimance will unboubtedly win him new praise. Lois Moran, in the feminine lead, stood out prominently, while E1 Brendel, as chief comedian, Howard Phillips as Lowe's psychic assistant, and George E. Stone, as the doctor, also gave excellent portrayals. The shorts include two comedies, cartoon and Fox News.