MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“TOPSY AND EVA” Anyone who is feeling in need of a real good laugh should see this week’s programme at the Majestic Theatre. “Topsy and Eva,” starring the Duncan Sisters, is the chief film on an excellent programme. Although the pictLire carries the plot of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” throughout—even to the characters—it is an uproarious comedy of many ludicrous situations and movements that should easily rank it as one of the most enjoyable laughing films of years. The antics of Rosetta Duncan in her blackface role of “Topsy,” the little slave girl, are so effervescent and absurd that they produce laughs without the slightest seeming effort. Vivian Duncan as the little angel child, “Eva,” is an excellent foil for her sister’s natural gift of comedy. “Topsy and Eva” was adapted from the musical comedy of the same name in which the Duncans toLired the country for four successive years. As a laugh-producer, the film will take its place among the best comedies produced in Hollywood for several years. It has an element of pathos every now and then, as some of the “Uncle Tom” dramatic situations are built up, but invariably these are turned into pure comedy just as they reach the point of making the audience shed tears. A very appropriate • prologue is staged by the Majestic Quartette — Messrs. A. McElwain, A. Ripley, 11. Richards and E. Thomas. A special orchestral programme has been arranged for the Majestic’s New Orchestra, by their talented conductor, Mr. Whiteford-Waugh. “ Sounds from the Sunny South” (on the Old Plantation) proves a very beautiful and popular musical interlude. Other musical gems included in the incidental music rendered are “Remembering” Fox Trot (written by Duncan Sisters for “Topsy and Eva”); “Flight of Bumble Bee” (Rimsky - Korsakoff) ; “Kentucky Babe,” “Old Folks at Home,” “Chicken Reel.” “Mighty Lak a Rose,” “Poor Old Joe,” “Darkies’ Jubilee,” “Bama Coon,” “Spinning- Song” (Mendelssohn), “American Sketch,” “Down South,” “Berceuse” (Jocelyn). The supporting pictorial programme is of a particularly high standard. That film photography in New Zealand is improving by leaps and bounds is eloquently proved by the beautiful New Zealand scenic, of one of the most picturesque lakes in the South Island, Lake Kanieri. The Majestic News is exceptionally interesting this week, especially to the tennis enthusiasts. An entertaining comedy dealing with the perplexing question—for married men —should young husbands have pretty stenographers, is also incUided, and last but not least, an English scenic, “Rambles Around Rickmans worth” and Moor Park.

William Demarest has been cast for an important role in May McAvoy’s latest Warner production for Master Picture release, “Roulette,” in which Ralph is seen in a triple capacity, that of author, director and actor. Robert Ober and Hedda Hopper are also in the cast.