MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 254, 17 January 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

LON CHANEY IN “MOCKERY” One of the most outstanding programmes screened in Auckland for some time is being presented at the Theatre. The programme, which is headed by “Mockery” as the chief pictorial attraction, is comprised of the best in pictorial, musical and stage attractions. new Picture, a grim drama of the Russian revolution, shows Lon Chaney in one of the most startling characterisations in his chequered history. He is a Russian peasant, a strange, half-animal of the lower classes, product of generations of serfdom, suddenly thrust into the red struggle. His , terrors, his sudden seizure of sinister power, and the strange trick of fate that binds "liiS with that of an aristocratic woman in an amazing - plot of love, peril and intrigue, make his role one of the most complicated characterisations that has ever fallen to his lot. He plays it with a remarkable artistry, bringing out the many sides of the odd character with the unerring skill of the finished actor, in delicate little touches that paint a complete mental picture of the weird person he portrays. Benjamin Christensen, the famous Danish director of “The Devil’s Circus,” who directed this picture, did so with a clever mingling of the methods of both Europe and America. His subtle use of strange and grotesque shadows to accent direct American methods of screen narration make the picture doubly interesting. The musical programme presented by the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. Whiteford-Waugh, is one of the most ambitious and beautiful yet presented by that talented band of musicians. Offenbach’s famous composition, “Orpheus in der TJnterwelt,” is specially featured as the overture, while included in the incidental music is “Dance Russe,” “Russian Scenes,” “Canzonetta,” “Chant Elegiaque,” “Andante” from “sth Symphony.” An element of mystery adds interest to a vocal interlude given by a hooded and shrouded figure described as “the Mysterious Soprano,” who holds the audience spellbound throughout her appearance on the stage. The songs that are rendered by this beautiful singer are “Mussetta’s Song.” from the famous opera “La Boheme,” “Last Rose of Summer” (“Martha”) and “By the Waters of Minnetonka.” Of particular interest is a pictorial record of the Tasman flight, showing the two aviators leaving Wellington for Melbourne, and preliminary tests in Melbourne. Especially interesting to Aucklanders will be the short film of our own Auckland Girls’ Inter-house Sports, which were held recently at Carlaw Park. An Australian scenic of the “Blue Mountains.” an Eve’s Review, and Majestic Magazine, and last, but not least, a hilarious comedy, “What Every Iceman Knows.”