MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 568, 22 January 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE SOMME”

Much rain has fallen on the Somme since the tanks first ploughed their way through mud and slusl, in the big attack, but vividly these incidents will be recalled when the film version'of the “big push’’ is seen at the Majestic Theatre.

Wonderful photography is an outstanding feature of the production, which has taken many months to complete, and which for the first time gives the public an opportunity of seeing what real war is like. The scenes are reproduced with sucli fidelity _ that one can, for the first time, realise just what “zero” meant to the. unseasoned troops who waited for the fateful second before going “over the top.” Brilliant deeds of bravery, humour that is typical of the Tommy, impresssive spectacle—all have their place in “The Somme,” a film to be seen and remembered by everyone. Svd. Chaplin’s assumption of a new role is an event in the theatrical wor(ct. His versatility has been demonstrated in such widely variant pieces as “The Man on the Box,’ “Oh, What a Nurse, “The Better ’Ole,” “The Missing Link, and, last and best. “The Fortune Hunter,” which is now at the IVfajestic Theatre. , : This is a screen version of the VV mchell Smith play which held New York and Chicago playhouses for two years, and enjoyed a spectacular success on the road, as well as being the y eh ;<;le which gave Jack Barrymore his leal start on the way to fame. “The Fortune Hunter” is a human, happy-go-lucky, exciting drama. it portrays the unusual doings of a young rake who comes to a country town on a wager to marry the richest girl, and share 50-50 with the pal who staked him. The locale is a Vermont village, and the characters are not caricatures. Helene Costello is the leading lady, doing the part of the rich girl, while Clara Horton is the Poor girl. A novel stage presentation Adam and Eve,” produced hy Yorke Gray, is the chief feature of the supporting programme. . Tlio musical side is of course in tire capable hands of Mr. J. WhitefordWaugh’s Majestic Orchestra. The Majestic will present a programme of outstanding interest on Friday when the two pictures, “Hxs House in Order,” and “Not Quite a Lady” will be shown. Both of these pictures are screen versions of plays famous on the -London stage, the fii'st of St. John Hankin’s famous “The Cassilis Engagement,” with Mabel Poulton in the role of 'Ethel, and the second of Sir Arthur Pinero’s play, in which the famous English actress Tallulah Bankhead makes her debut in films.

THREE PICTURES AT GRAND

The first attraction on the big programme now being screened at the Grand Theatre is the great boxing picture, “The Ring.” Featured in the stellar role of a boxer is Carl Brisson, ex-champion of the Danish Navy, and

considered as the most romantic of modern stage lovers. His part in “The Ring” is his first appearance in the movies, and it looks as though he will be equally famous in his new sphere. Lilian Hall-Davis is seen as his wife, while lan Hunter is the Australian heavy-weight champion.

“Plastered in Paris.” an uproarious cornedy by Sammy Cohen, and the Rin Tin Tin picture, “A Hero of the Big Snows.”* will also be screened.

BIG COMEDY AT LYRIC

Floodgates of laughter are wide open at the Lyric Theatre, where Marjorie Beebe is featured in “The Farmer’s Daughter.” This is a Fox film production based on an original story and notable, more than all else, tor its introduction of a rarity, a girl who is genuinely funny.

If the screen ever presented a real comedienne, Marjorie Beebe is that girl. “The Farmer’s Daughter” is a riot of fun and is embellished with many highlights, including a wellstaged County Fair which looks like the real thing because it is.

“Lovers’ Island.” the second feature, is a fine romantic story starring James Kirkwood and Hope Hampton.