MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 139, 2 September 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

A SPARKLING PROGRAMME At the Majestic Theatre to-day there commences another programme which contains a brilliant array of pictorial attractions. Heading the bill is the screen version of Peter B. Kyne’s world-famous novel, “The Understanding Heart.” The most picturesque region in the world furnishes the background for “The Understanding Heart,” a screen version of Peter B. Kyne’s novel, which Jack Conway directed for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It is the land of the big timber in California, and concerns the band of faithful guardians who I constantly watch over the country to save it from the ravages of fire. Expanses of scenic beauty greet the eye constantly, and the spectator is given several exquisite view’s of Yosemite National Park. Against this outdoor beauty is set one of the most virile romances of the year. Jack Conway, best known as the director of “Brown of Harvard,” has endowed Kyne’s story with interest and realism, which reaches its climax in a spectacular forest fire. The cast is headed by Joan Crawford as “Monica,” Francis X. Bushman, jun., as “Tony,” Carmel Myers as "Kelcey,” and Rockjiffe Fellowes as “Bob Mason.” First honours go to Miss Crawford, who acquits herself admirably. Here is a girl who looks like the “find” of the year. She enacts her part with a finesse worthy of the greatest teminin star. Francis X. Bushman, jun., justifies the promise he gave in “Brown of Harvard,” and Carmel Myers has a part that gives her unique opportunity. The Majestic News, wjiicli is included'in the supporting programme, contains scenes of Wild West rodeo, Los Angeles; speed boat racing at Boston, and the Lindberg flight from start to finish. The ever-popular Eve’s Review contains, among many scenes, ’ Figures. Fast and Fancy,” filmed at the London Ice Club, an exhibition dance by some of London’s most famous dancers, and scenes of Liverpool Cathedral. One of the most attractive features of the supporting programme is the New Zealand Government scenic, entitled “The Garden of the South Seas,” showing peeps ! around Samoan plantations. Then comes a screamingly funny animal comedy entitled “The Kangaroo Detective.” The Campbell Boys, who entertained large audiences at the Majestic some time ago, will present an entirely new programme of both classical and popular music. An excellent musical programme will be given by the Majestic’s new orchestra, under the direction of Mr. John White-ford-Waugh. Massenet’s “Tarantella” will be specially featured, and in addition the programme will include “Carissima” (Elgar), “Barcarolle” (Rubinstein), Scherzo, fro m' Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Mendelssohn), and the Ballet Suite from “Le Lac des Cygnes” (Tschaikowsky). Forty members of the unit making “Rolled Stockings” for Paramount j went to Berkeley, California, where the annual boat-race between the Universities of California and Washington were filmed as a part of the picture. Richard Arlen acted as stroke of the crew which later appears in the closeup shots of the production, and the university quadrangle was the background of other sequences.