MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 259, 23 January 1928, Page 13

MAJESTIC

“PRIVATE IZZY MURPHY” ‘A spatkling programme comprised of the best in entertainment” describes what is now being presented at the Majestic Theatre. There is not one dull moment. The whole programme sparkles and moves with high speed to a grand finale. Lupino Lane, the king of laugh-makers, is the shining light in the two-reel comedy entitled “My Hero.” This brilliant British comedian is marvellous in this hilarious farce. He provides laughs and thrills for half an hour without stopping. That New Zealand is making rapid progress with cinematography is proved by the New Zealand Gazette, with scenes of the Wellington floating crane, the new T. and G. office, Wellington; the unveiling of St. George’s Memorial, Wanganui, by Archbishop Aver ill; West Coast athletic champions, Auckland spring show, a very amusing performance by our own Jamuna, who performs all manner of tricks at the Auckland Zoo, and the motor-cycle races held/ recently at Alexandra Park, Epsom. Other interesting news items are contained in the topical budgets, showing all the latest overseas events. The beautifully coloured scenic of Jerusalem, with scenes of the Holy City, Damascus Gates, Mount of Olives and Hospital of Knights of St. John, is especially interesting, as is also a scenic of the Opal Isles of Sicily. Words cannot describe this film—one has to view the film to appreciate the wonders and the beauties of these isles.

A musical treat Is provided by Mr. Whiteford-Waugh's famous Majestic Orchestra, which specially features as its musical interlude, “Potted Overtures” (J. Engleman). That this is popular is amply proved by the hearty burst of applause which follows its presentation. Other musical gems rendered include a 'selection from the musical comedy, “Prince of Pilsen” (Luders), “Popular Hits,’/ by W. Clark. “Four Popular Songs” (Ludowitz), “Selection of Popular American Airs,” a duet, “Mad Scene” from “Lucia de Lammermoor,” and “Intermezzo” from “L’Amico Tritz” (Mascagni). Mr. Walter Brough, the well-known Auckland baritone, appears on the stage, and renders, “Will o’ the Wisp,” and “The Fishermen of England,” both of which are admirably suited to his fine baritone voice. Heading the bill is this year’s laughter sensation, “Private Izzy Murphy.” Featured with George Jessel in “Private Izzy Murphy” are Patsy Ruth Miller and Vera Gordon, and the supporting company* includes Nat Carr, “Spec.” O’Donnell, William Strauss, Gustav von Seyffertitz, Douglas Gerrard, Jack Raymond and Tom Murray. The scenario is by* Philip Lonergan from an original story* by- Raymond L. Schrock and Edward Clark. “Private Izzy* Murphy*” is the tender, mirthful and utterly delightful story of an East Side Jewish boy*, who takes the name of “Murphy” for business reasons while running a delicatessen in an Irish neighbourhood, and keeps the name when he goes overseas with an Irish regiment, revealing his deception only to the little Irish girl, who forgives him for it. The picture is one of the few of universal appeal. James Oliver Curwood is the author of ‘Back to God’s Country,” the Universal- Jew*el starring Renee Adoree. The supporting cast includes Robert Frazer, Walter Long, Mitchell Lew*is, Adolph Milar and James Mason. Irvin Willat directed. * * * As the stage play “The Cat and the Canary” was conceded to be one of the greatest mvstery plays ever written, and, according to critics, the film version is even more mysterious than the play. The plot hinges about a murder in an unoccupied country residence where six persons have gone at the hour of midnight to hear the reading of a will. Any one of the main characters might be the murderer and suspicion falls on first one and then tlje other. The logical though unusual ending is one that is impossible for the audience to foretell. *