MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 332, 18 April 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

LON CHANEY AT HIS BEST

Unprecedented crowds are being drawn to the Majestic Theatre this week, proclaiming to Auckland picturegoers the popularity of the greatest mystery story ever produced, “London After Midnight,” with Lon Chaney. In the new picture Chaney plays a Scotland Yard detective, pitted against a strange band of criminals operating in a “haunted” castle on an old English estate. The action of the play takes place in Scotland Yard in London, in strange underworld dives in the English capital, and in the ghostly surroundings of the castle. Hypnotism, telepathy and the strange belief of “vampires” or the “un-dead,” which for centuries has been held to in many parts of Europe, are all worked into the uncanny tale. A notable cast is assembled for the picture. Mr. Fred Baker, the well-known baritone, delightfully sings that popular musical number, “My Blue Heaven,” and “The Bedouin Love Song” being recalled by the enthusiastic audience. Of great interest is a most impressive film entitled “Britain Mourns the Late Earl Haig, a last sad tribute to the great soldier who brought us to victory. There is the procession of State to the Abbey, where field-marshals and admirals paid homage to the memory of their colleague. Contrasting strangely, yet in keeping with the man laid to -rest, was the simple country funeral ceremony at his Scottish home. Other items included on the supporting programme is a most beautiful New Zealand scenic, “Huka Falls,” showing their wild beauty, and the rugged but beautiful country adjacent; a most amusing Our Gang comedy, “Commencement Day,” and the interesting Majestic Hews. “Semiramide” (Rossini) is artistically rendered by the talented musicians of the Majestic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh, their popular conductor, while throughout the evening a special musical programme is Tenderer.