MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 22, 18 April 1927, Page 10

MAJESTIC

BARRYMORE IN DON JUAN A magnificent programme of pictorial, musical and stage attractions, is offered to the holiday public this week, at the Majestic. “Don Juan,” the leading picture, is undoubtedly a triumph of screen art, and no expense has been spared in making these ten reels of romantic adventure a gorgeous affair. John Barrymore, one of the greatest actors in the world to-day, is incomparable as the greatest lover of all ages, “Don Juan,” “the golden lover of Spain.” Supporting him is a cast of film stars and thousands of extra players. Never before has a picture had such a cast. It includes John Barrymore, Mary Astor, Willard Louis, Estelle Taylor, Warner Oland, Montague Love, Helene Costello, Jane Winton, Myrna Loy, John Roche, June Marlowe, Yvonne Day, Phillippe de Lacy, John George, Helene D’Algy, Josef Swickard, Lionel Braham, Phyllis Haver, Nigel de Brulier and Hedda Hopper.

Only those who were actively identified with the actual writing and filming of “Don Juan,” John Barrymore’s masterpiece, can have any adequate conception of the laborious research, painstaking care and slavish atten-

tion to details that marked every step taken in the vast project. In its costuming, in architectural design of the massive and beautiful settings, in fidelity of characterisation, “Don Juan” is as true to the times in which the action is placed as past records can make it. Some of the most striking scenes of “Don Juan” are taken in faithful reproductions of the Borgia Palace and its approach and courtyard. The luxurious villa of Don Juan is copied from that of a gentleman of the period who enjoyed a reputation of a similar nature. The greater part of the prologue is enacted in a castle modelled after a historic old Moorish edifice in Spain. Written about in almost every tongue—the inspiration of scores, nay, hundreds, of artists, poets, musicians and dramatists —it is a moot question if a real Don Juan ever existed. Down through the centuries the romantic figure of the greatest of all lovers has been surrounded with a virtual halo, so that to-day he has become a typo, a symbol, a glory—almost a divinity. John Barrymore is at his most glorious as this “golden lover of Spain.” Music lovers will be thrilled with the ambitious musical score, plaj r od by the all soloists’ orchestra, as an acompaniment to “Don Juan.” On the stage a special novelty has been arranged for the Easter season. A gigantic Easter eg** is the centre of a charming dance fantasy, interpreting the spirit of Easter. Fifteen of Auckland’s tiniest little chicks, a hen, a rooster, and a farmer will appear in this brilliant stage creation.