MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 270, 4 February 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

JOHN BARRYMORE’S BEST Another success is added to the long list of excellent pictures which have been shown at the Majestic Theatre, since it was first opened, in “His Lady,” the Warner Bros.’ production which was screened for the first time last evening to a crowded house. From poverty to riches, from riches to poverty, through a maze of amazing adventures, journey Fabian and Manon, the student, and the girl, John Barrymore as Fabian, is seen in one of the finest roles of his career, and that is saying a lot. As an actor of the dramatic art he has few peers, and in “His Lady” he rises to the front rank of artistry. Dolores Costello, as Manon, gives a delightful impersonation of the young, and unsophisticated girl who is suddenly forced into riches with an old roue of France. She is truly excellent in her emotional scenes and gives a convincing account of herself. The scenes are laid in the reign of Louis XV., the profligate King of France, and thus ample scope is allowed for the presentation of the drama on a magnificent scale. The story is of deep interest, taking the audience as it does from a sleepy little village to the Court of France, and again to the poor quarters of Paris and then to the prison ship. The big scene is the mutiny aboard the prison ship, and the ultimate escape of Fabian and Manon to a life of peace and happiness that never seemed near. It is a great picture and should prove a big draw this week.

Then comes the New Zealand News and views. For photography and range of subjects this local production would be heard to better. This is a film that is becoming one of the most popular presentations bjr the management. The races at Ellerslie at Christmas, the fairy pools at Rotorua, the sanctuary of the trout, and other interesting snaps are contained in this week’s production. A clever comedy which gets away from the usual style and plot* is “Spanish Romeo,” a story of bulls and men who were not bull fighters. There is plenty of fun in the picture, which evoked hearty laughter. Next week the Majestic will present Mr. Ernest McKinlay, the noted New Zealand tenor, and just to heraid his coming a panatrope exhibition of one of his records, “tVaiata Poi” (Alfred Hill), was given. The reproduction on this machine was excellent and everyone will look forward to hearing Mr. McKinlay in person. The Majestic Or-

chestra was in fine fettle and rendered a specially selected programme of musical gems in a manner that only the Majestic Orchestra could. The overture was “The Belle of New York,” and was splendid. Other incidental music included “Viennese Melody*' (Kreisler). “Nocturne” (Karganoff), “Serenade” (Schubert), and a “Midsummer Night Suite” (Mendelssohn). It is a programme fit to please a king, and for cool, comfortable and enjoyable entertainment the Majestic Theatre is the place this week.