MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 290, 28 February 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE FIRE BRIGADE” Melodrama still holds its own with the more cultured and sophisticated order of entertainment that often finds its way into the films. Its elements of danger and excitement, its large proportions of heroism still make the same appeal to 1928 as they did in 1888, and that ancient adage about human nature being ever the same, bears out this preference for this still popular form of entertainment. That is why “The Fire Brigade,” the big pictorial attraction at the Majestic Theatre, has been a pronounced success wherever it has been shown. Its ample thrills and heroic exploits fire the imagination and delight the populace, and the many spectacles of gallant fire fighters combating the enormous tongues of flame, and braving the perilous heights, hold the same old thrill. “The Fire Brigade” tells an absorbing story of a family of firefighters, from the grey-haired old grandfather to the youngest son; of the gallant mother of these sons, of city politicians, and young love, all so neatly woven into one another that fire and romance look the best matched couple in the world, with city councils the most effective villainous element. This picture is produced on a tremendous scale, and its enormous canvas of flames and falling buildings does not overshadow the story that runs through it. The picture was produced with the active co-operation of several fire chiefs of Canada and the United States, so it is realistic in every scene where realism is demanded. Nor is it all melodrama and romance. The presence of Tom O’Brien in the cast spells comedy of a particularly droll nature, comedy which balances the more draI matic parts. May McAvoy, Holmes | Herbert and Kugenie Bessere are the other leading players. “Love ’em and Feed ’em,” the latest Max Davidson comedy, a humorous film of two hardy gold miners, an in- ! teresting scenic of “Hamilton,” showi ing the Waikato River town as one of I the ideally situated cities in the Doi minion, and the JVlajestic i with the latest topical budgets, con- ' elude the pictorial programme, i The usual high standard musical ■ programme always provided by the Majestic Orchestra includes many popular musical gems. As the overture, Mr. Whiteford-Waugh and his talented musicians rendered Suppe’s famous composition, “Pique Dame.” A delightful violin solo is “La Guitana (Kreisler), which is rendered by Mr. Haydn Murray. On the stage is a delightful nautical novelty, “Hullo! Aloha!” arranged by Misses Beryl Nettleton and Marjorie Turner, and featuring little Mi » Doreen O’Leary.