“BARDELYS, MAGNIFICENT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 144, 8 September 1927, Page 17

“BARDELYS, MAGNIFICENT”

MAJESTIC TO-MORROW A programme which would compare favourably with any shown in the world’s leading picture theatres is offered at the Majestic for a week commencing to-morrow. The chief picture is Rafael Sabatini’s “Bardelys the Magnificent,” starring John Gilbert and Eleanor Boardman. This will be the first time this great romance has been shown in the Southern Hemisphere, the picture coming direct from Broadway, New York. Directed by King Vidor for Metro--Goldwyn-Mayer, Sabatini’s quickmoving romantic story achieved unusual success in England and in America, and in France it is credited with creating something akin to a public sensation. “Le Temps” writes as follows: “Burning eyes, a sword that flashed like a shaft of light, a mocking smile that changed to one of tenderness, an agile body that performed miracles of daring athletic . . . it is this impression that one remembers of John Gilbert in ‘Bardelys the Magnificent.’ The motion picture is the screen version of Rafael Sabatini’s finest novel and may be placed in the same category of colourful fascination as his other story, ‘The Sea Hawk’ The part of Bardelys, portrayed by Gilbert, is a source of neverending delight. Lover, fighter, braggart, boaster, he is still a likeable and indeed fascinating figure. He is probably the most intriguing of all the creations of Sabitini’s vivid imagination. Breaking hearts with the same gay irresponsibility and recklessness that his every action betrays, his -wild wager to wed the coldest lady in France’ is made the substance of the remarkable story. Eleanor Boardman, as the fair lady Roxalanne, is a splendid exponent. This actress has a very engaging personality, graceful beauty and a definite poise that enables her to invest her role with the desirable attributes of dignity and impressiveness.”

Her love scenes with Mr. Gilbert are particularly striking. Others of note in the cast are Karl Dane, Roy D’Arcy and George K. Arthur. The original New York music score will be rendered by the Majestic Orchestra.

As is usual, the Majestic News will contain a large variety of subjects, among which are intimate views of the precautions to ensure peace at Shanghai and Nanking, Japanese marines on parade at Nanking, little Sammy McKeen, the famous child actor generally known as Snookums, and relief work at the levees during the recent floods in America. Then there is the ever interesting Eve’s Review, containing an exhibition of the black bottom dance, handy inventions—cutting onions—how railway carriages are worked in France, and a beautifully coloured scenic of Ypres showing the reconstruction of the city since the Great War. This item alone is one which should he. of intense interest to hundreds of those desirous of reviving memories of familiar scenes. A merry mermaid comedy entitled “Light Housekeeping” completes the supporting pictorial programme. Mr. John Whit^ford- Waugh’s new Majestic Orchestra will render a bright musical programme. “Sullivan Gems” will be specially featured as a musical interlude.