MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 361, 23 May 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“PRIVATE LIFE OF HELEN” Only to-day and to-mororw remain for Auckland picturegoers to visit the Majestic Theatre, where the secrets of “The Private Life of Helen of Troy,” a symphony in satires, are being disclosed. “The Private Life of Helen of Troy” stands by itself as a motion picture because there is no production with which it is comparable. It has comedy in generous quantities, it is satirical, sly, subtle, broad, j humorous, whimsical and daring by turns. It is richly costumed and displays sets breath-taking in their magnitude and striking in their originality of design and pictorial effect. Based on John Erskine’s best selling novel of the same, name, the picture has been made on a tremendous scale, but retains all the humour and brilliance which made the novel so popular. Maria Corda, noted European actress, plays the role of Helen as her first American picture, with Lewis Stone and Ricardo Cortez as Menelaus and Paris respectively. Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra plays an apropriate musical programme, which does much to enhance the amusement of the satire. As its musical interlude this week, this talented combination is giving “Sizilietta,” which was specially orchestrated by Mr. .J. WhitefordWaugh. Messrs. Rex Wills and Len Jury are the instrumental soloists. On the stage is a scintillating revuette, “Bijou Revuette,” presented by the talented “Midget Moiselles,” under the direction of Miss Lillian O’Leary. This clever little troupe, present a decidedly novel programme of solo dances, ballet numbers and several amusing songs. Majestic Magazine, an amusing comedy, “Fighting Fathers,” and a very unique nature study film, “Sea Breezes,” conclude the programme. “Baby Mine,” one of the most famous stage farces 'of all time, will be seen in screen form at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, when Karl Bane and George K. Arthur, heroes of “Rookies,” appear in it as their second Metro - Gold wy n - May er vehicle. It is a lilting comedy of college boys in a peck of trouble in which stolen babies add to their hilarious woes. Charlotte Greenwood, famous stage comedienne, and others of note are in the cast, directed by Robert Z. Leonard.