MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 23, 19 April 1927, Page 12

MAJESTIC

BARRYMORE IN DON JUAN “Destroy women! Destroy women—or they will destroy you!” The fifteenth century is nearing its close. Rome is a whirlpool of good and evil. High in power are the infamous Borgias—Caesar and his haughty and heartless sister, Lucretia. It is the height of the Italian Renaissance, when artists burst into an unequalled glory of creation; when passion ran the gamut of exalted beauty and degraded vice. « Adriana’s passionate gratitude is mistaken by Don Juan for the light giving of self with which he is so familiar. But when, in the sudden fierceness of his embrace, she swoons—his soul is strangely stirred. With infinite gentleness he begs forgiveness. “Destroy women!” The far-off words flash across his mind. Surely not such as Adriana? This is just one of the many love

episodes in “Don Juan,” the mighty production starring John Barrymore at the Majestic this week. No one should miss this great film, which has attracted huge audiences all through the holidays, for it stands as a landmark in screen history. Beauty and artistry are its keynote and the costly settings and colossal scenes serve as a magnificent background. The story is daring and rich in romance and adventure. As for the acting, never before has there been such a glorious display of skill and imagination as John Barrymore’s “Don Juan.” A huge cast of stars interpret the famous ladies of the fifteenth century period. The Majestic News and a clever cartoon comedy complete the picture programme. A delightful childhood fantasy, “The Gigantic Easter Egg,” played by 15 little children, makes a most appropriate interlude. Mr. J. Tarr fills the role of the farmer with distinction, and as he dreams the

“chickens” break open the huge Easter egg, set in an excellent scenic conception of a farmhouse, and dance their way into the hearts of the audience. The Majestic orchestra, under the baton of Mr. F. G. Mumford, renders a superb musical programme, beginning with “Poet and Peasant.”