MAJESTIC THEATRE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 568, 27 June 1933, Page 2

MAJESTIC THEATRE

TO-DAY AND TO-NIGHT. In 'lEmma," which opened . last I night at the Majestic Theatre, Marie j Dressler, gives to the screen another | of those brilliant dramatic characteri. j sations which first surpris'ed film- ; goers - when she deserted ' comedy to ; play Martha in "Anna Christie," and | which- in "Min , and Bill" won her the • Academy award for the outstanding feminine performance of the year. ! Miss Dressler is given a unique dra- 1 ma,tic situation in "Emma," and she handles it will all the skill, the sympathy, and the adroit combination of humour and path'os which audiences have come to expect of this distinguished actress. The s-tory places her as the housekeeper in the home of a millionaire inventor whose wife has died, and whose children have come to look upon Emma as a second mother. When, however, the millionaire -marries her and. sh'e becomes their mother legally, the children take a different view of the woma.n who has worked all her life for them. For how -can theyj introduce their former servant to their friends as their stepmother? Things reach an even more bitter climaa^ when th'e father dies, leaving all his money to Emma. The devoted and harmless Emma is now accused of having contributed to the death of the millionaire for the sake of his wealth, and the result is a notorious will contest and the ultimate trial of Emma for murder. It may easily be seen wh'at the accomplished Miss Dressler can do with a situation like this. The work of the supporting cast leaves nothing to be desired. Richard Cromwell a,s the youngest son who remains loyal to his stepmother gives a performance which even outshines h'is effeetive work in "Tol'able David." Jean Hersholt as th'e millionaire is, as usual, sympathetic and convincing. Excellent work is also done by the attractive Myrna Loy, John Miljan, 'Purnell Pratt, Leila Bennett, Barbara Kent and Kathryn Crawford.