MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 405, 13 July 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“SADIE THOMPSON” “Sadie Thompson,” from Somerset Maugham’s startling and widely discussed play, “Rain,” will have its initial Auckland screening at the Majestic Theatre this evening. This story of “Sadie Thompson’s” domination by a tyrannical South Seas reformer, “Alfred Atkinson,” who forces her to confess that she is an exile from the underworld of San Francisco, and then determines to break her defiant spirit and gain her repentance, is one of the most vital themes in modern literature. “Sadie Thompson” is the sort of screen narrative that is of interest to men and women everywhere, because its characters are every-day people, and their personalities are believable. The situ- ! ation which develops from the reformer Atkinson’s struggle to choose be- • tween his devotion to duty and the ■ call of worldly desires forms a climax • of dramatic power. ! A brilliant array of stage, musical, 1 and pictorial attractions accompanies 5 the chief film screening. I The Harris Sisters, Mildred and Con- - nie, are being presented on the stage 1 in a novelty musical act. There is distinctive originality in the acting of l Connie Harris which makes her very 3 appearance on the stage particularly ■ pleasing. Both are musicians of high s standard —Mildred Harris’s skill as a harpist is brilliant—and each pos- " sesses a personality which is a pleas--1 ing foil and accentuation to the other.

A very ambitious and beautiful musical programme will be presented by Mr. Whiteford-TVaugh’s Majestic Orchestra. This talented combination will render among the many musical gems “Angelus” (Matt), “Andante from Symphony No. 1” (Schumann), “Cloister Meditations” (Spialek), “Scherzando from Symphony in F. Major” (Beethoven), “Scherzo” (Mendelssohn) from Op. 16, No. 2, “The Lady of the Rose Waltz,” ballet music from “William Tell,” and “Adagio from No. 1 Symphony” (Schubert). Heading the supporting programme is the most beautiful Irish scenic gem yet presented, “By KiJlarney’s Lakes and Fells.” Throughout the screening of this film, the Majestic Orchestra will play that old favourite. “Killarney.” There is also a Majestic Magazine, which contains scenes of a modern May Queen who flys to her coronation; the Royal military tournament; Joan of Arc celebrations; installation of knights at Westminster Abbey; and “To-day in Paris.” containing charming views of the latest Parisian fashions.