MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 156, 22 September 1927, Page 17

MAJESTIC

LON CHANEY IN “MR. WU”

A programme which promises to be one of the finest and most popular shown in Auckland for some time is that commencing at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Heading the bill is a Metro-Gold\yyn-Mayer special, “Mr. Wu,” with Lon Chaney in his greatest role. What seems barbarous in this country may in another seem perfectly correct, and vice versa. This is strikingly brought to light in “Mr. Wu.” Lon Chaney’s new starring vehicle, which will be the chief attraction at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. For the uncanny drama of Oriental mystery, intrigue, and revenge, is founded on codes which in China arc considered perfectly natural and right, although this country would regard them as shocking. Chaney plays an uncanny mandarin, whose revenge on an English family precipitates a thrilling dramatic situation. To the European his Oriental idea of revenge is almosts unbelievable. But it is founded on actual Oric-ntal tradition. Louise Dresesr, Renee Adoree, Gertrude Olmsted, Ralph Forbes, and other noted players appear in the cast, under the direction of William Nigh. The play, on the stage, was a sensation as acted by Walker Whiteside.

The supporting programme is as excellent as the main film, and includes the Majestic News, with scenes of canoeing at Vienna, on the Danube, and the famous Milan Cathedral, with its 4,000 statues: the Eve’s Review, showing shipbreakers ;.t work at Blyth, Northumberland; the Cosmo Club, London, with its renowned jazz orchestra, and midnight show of cllever vaudeville; and a beautiful English scenic, “Up the River Coquet, Northumberland.” Then there is a verv interesting New Zealand scenic, “The Milky Way,” showing dairying on a model dairy farm, and all the stages in butter manufacture. There is also a screamingly funny juvenile comedy. “Grandpa’s Boy.”

Everyone will be delighted to hear that popular Jack Lumsdaine is to appear for another week. His pro gramme will be composed of a special Oriental prelude to “Mr. Wu,” and the brightest and best mirth and melody from his extensive repertoire. The Majestic’s New Orchestra, under Mr. Whiteford-Waugh, will render another excellent musical programme, and will play for an overture “Second Hungarian Rhapsody/ by Liszt. Other numbers included are “Suite Orientals” (Popy); “Chanson Indous” (Kor sakoff), “Orientale” (Cui), “Three Arabian Dances” (Ring). “Chinese festival” (Hegner), and “Serenade” (Drigo).