MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 165, 3 October 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

EMPIRE WEEK “A supreme combination of sparkling variety” describes the programme at the Majestic this week. That “Empire Week” is popular is eloquently proved by the crowded houses and the audiences which leave the Majestic delighted and enthusiastic. Special mention must be made of the grand musical and national spectacle, entitled “Rule Britannia.” This pageant of the Empire opes with a spectacular film, “Trooping the Colours,” taken in London on the King’s birthday. From there one is taken to Canada, India, Australia, our own little Dominion, South Africa, and to the more remote outposts of the British Empire. Interspersed with these interesting short films are national dances performed by Mdlle. Valeska and the Majestic Ballet. A fitting and worthy musical accompaniment is rendered by three great orchestras, the Auckland Artillery Band, the Scottish Pipers and the Majestic’s New Orchestra. The musical programme is a delight to all musiclovers. “Sicilian Vespers” (Verdi) is specially featured as an interlude, and is a source of great enjoyment. Other musical gems rendered are selections from “The Blue Mazurka” (Lehar) and “The Demon” (Rubinstein), “Three Mask Dances” (Wood), Chopin’s “Nocturne and Prelude,” “Aclagio Pathetique” (Godard) and “Berceuse” (Greig). Heading the picture programme is the screen version of Oscar Wilde’s famous “Lady Widermere’s Fan.”

The race track scenes in “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” the Ernst Lubitscii production for Warner Bros., were filmed in Toronto, Canada. The track there is an exact replica of the Epson Downs in England, where the scene in the play takes place. In this way it was possible to secure the genuine atmosphere of a British race track, because in Canada, as in England, the turns are o nthc? right instead of on the left, as on the American race tracks. It is in these sequences that Mrs. Erlynne, played by Irene Rich, is first seen by Lady Windermere (May McAvoy), and consequently they are among the most important in the picture.

Ronald Colman, by special arrangement with Samuel Goldwyn, plays Lord Darlington in the picture, and Beit Lytell is seen in the role of Lord Windermere. The remainder of the cast includes Edward Martindel as Lord Augustus, Helen Dunbar, Carrie Daumery and Billie Bennett. Julien Joseph son adapted, the Oscar Wilde play to the screen, and Charles Van Enger photographed the production. The supporting programme is as attractive as the main picture and the musical programme. The Majestic News includes a sparkling varietv of scenes, the most noteworthy of which are scenes of the recent marriage of Marconi, and carnivals in Brussels and Pans. Included in the Eve’s Review are some wonderful views of the historic .Harlech Castle, North Wales. Lupine. Lane, the king of laughteimaker.'!, is the shining light of the comedy, ‘ The Fighting Dude,” and h s rstics and boxing “stunts” chase all blues and cares away.