MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 378, 12 June 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“LA BQHEME” Another outstanding programme is being presented to the picture-loving public of Auckland at the Majestic Theatre, where the ideal entertainment is headed by “La Boheme,” the story of gay Bohemian Paris, starring Lillian Gish and John Gilbert. This famous story was adapted from the Henri Murger novel, the original romance, rather than from the opera, which only used an episode in it —and the result is a story of dramatic power that those who know the opera would never suspect. It grips the audience with its mastery of human emotions, but never for an instant does it lose that evanescent spell of entertainment.

King Vidor’s direction, faultless and artistic, was well expended on a remarkable cast. John Gilbert as Rodolphe, the romantic poet lover, handles the most difficult role possible with that rare understanding that makes it life itself, and Renee Adoree is charmingly French as Musetta. Lillian Gish has given the world “Romola,” “The White Sister,” and other great roles —but she literally IS Mimi, waif of the art quarter; wistful idol of a poet’s heart, whose last breath is a vow of undying love. She is inspiration and happiness—and untold woe. She is the embodiment of the tragedy of womankind. “Musetta’s Song” from the famoLis opera, is sung by Miss Etta Field, during the delightful musical prologue, while Mr. Whiteford Waugh and his _Majestic Orchestra play a very enjoyable musical programme. Among the many attractions on the supporting programme is a very interesting story of the gold rush at Shotover, in New Zealand’s early mining days. The film graphically portrays the change from pioneering methods to the scientific apparatus in present-day gold-mining. That a good comeuy contributes much to the enjoyment of the programme, is eloquently proved during tne screening of “Somewfiere in Somewhere,” a merry comedy of the sunny side of war, starring Charles Murray, the inimitable comedian. Concluding the programme is the popular Majestic Magazine, with the latest topical budgets and world news, and an interesting Patiie Review.