MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 27, 23 April 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

DOMINION-MADE COMEDY There are some people who say that a comedy is the only moving picture worth seeing. They are hopeless cynics of course, but there is a glimmer of truth in their reasoning: most humans get more enjoyment out of a good laugh than they do out of the “most powerful play on their emotions.” This is to raise the curtain on Hector St. Clair’s excellent effort to make a New Zealand funny picture. One went to “A Takapuna Scandal” at the Majestic last night with the feeling that one would have to pocket one’s critical sense and gaze with maternal eyes on a whimpering product of one’s own country. It was a delightful surprise to find that the comedy carried a “kick” from a facetious introduction and developed into a really humourous film, played, sub-titled and photographed a good deal better than many an imported one. New Zealand’s Mack Sennett, Hector St. Clair, made a bright speech by way of introduction, mentioning that the film had been made in eight days at an immense cost and confiding some intimate secrets to the house. Dedicated “to no great army in particular,” the chronique scandeleuse of Takapuna has a breezy opening in the scenic railway of Luna Park. Hector “gets the wind up” badly in an unusual way and the scene shifts to Milford where the heroine. Mona Jeffries, is introduced. Bathing beauties, a bold beach guard, and a dance on the s.s. Rangitoto come merrily into the plot and funny situations are frequent. As Hector said himself, the comedy is mostly “slapstick,” but it is commendable “slapstick.” Originality has come into the first production of “New Idea's,” and here’s hoping that it has more comedies on the way. Our sense of humour is slightly different from the American and the public will enjoy the local colour. Eve usually manages to find a lover but complications are apt to ensue if she discovers that he has been paid to woo her. As the Eve in “Eve’s Lover,” a pleasant comedy-drama, Irene Rich, faces this situation, Bert Lytell being a philandering count. Business and romance mix nicely in the finish of the picture, though at one period, it seems that amitv is impossible. Interesting new films as well. All Soloists Orchestra deserves a bouquet for its playing of “Mignon.”