MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 539, 17 December 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“ANNIE LAURIE” Lillian Gish, ethereal and beautiful, in the stern setting of the wars of Highland clans, in the majestic splendours of ancient Scottish castles, in settings that blend the legend and romance of Scotland with the grim details of its turbulent history—this is the Lillian Gish of “Annie Laurie.” the latest vehicle of the famous star, now showing at the Majestic Theatre. It is a gigantic story of human souls; a romance of love as great as the huge settings in which the story is told. It is an historic drama that eclipses anything of the kind seen in years, all the more wonderful because it deals with a people never before seen on the screen. The ancient Scots, with their court intrigues, their implacable clan warfare, and their delicate sentiment underlying the ever-present lust for battle, are reproduced with startling fidelity in the big Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer spectacle. Famous old castles, including historic Maxwelltun, were reproduced. Hordes of kilted warriors struggle, gaily caparisoned courtiers in the king’s antechamber plot untold villainy, and through it runs the glorious story of the love of Annie Laurie and lan MacDonald —a love that changed the course of history, centuries ago, and unified the Scottish nation. Norman Kerry is seen as the hero of the romantic spectacle, a fighting romanticist. Hobart Bosworth is the grim “Wolf of Glencoe,” the implacable old chief of the men of Glencoe. Brandon Hurst is the villainous Breadalbane and Creighton Hale the treacherous Donald. The story is based on actual history surrounding the Glencoe Massacre, when the Campbells and the MacDonalds struggled for supremacy in one of the strangest conflicts in all history. The author utilised this gigantic episode in history as the background for a stirring drama that might be classed the film epic of Scotland. A most enjoyable supporting programme is screened, including another quaint Aesop cartoon, a Max Davidson comedy and the latest edition of the Majestic News. Mr. J. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra plays a special musical programme. Among gems are “From the Highlands,” a selection of Scottish melodies, including “Speed, Bonnie Boat,” “Loch Lomond,” “Charlie is My Darling,” “A Highland Lad,” “Duncan Gray,” “Robin Adair,” “There’s nae Luck aboot the Hoose,” “Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye” and “The Campbells are Coming.” Other numbers of “A Keltic Lament,” “A Night Wi* Burns,” “Heather Bloom,” “Ethiopian Rhapsody,” and “The Thistle,” with “My Love, She’s But a Lassie Yet,” “Bonnie Dundee,” “The Laird o’ Cockpen” and “Mary of Argyle.” DIXIELAND CABARET At the Dixieland Cabaret this evening, Mr. Clem Dawe and the members of the “Midnight Frolics” Company will be present to join in the dancing. Music will be supplied by the capable Dixieland Dance Band, and an enjoyable evening is assured. The management announces that Dixieland Cabaret will be open for dancing every evening from Wednesday next.