MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 573, 28 January 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“NOT QUITE A LADY” Adapted from St. John Hankin's stag-© play, “The Cassilis Engagement,” the feature now at the Majestic Theatre, entitled “Not Quite a Lady,” is being applauded as being Britain's finest attempt at comedy. Beneath the comedy is the requisite tpuch of pathos, which is skilfully interwoven, and one feels all the time that one is in contact with human beings, norHsaere puppets. Mabel Poulton, the popular English actress, gives a fine performance as the dainty little cabaret star, who gave up her friends for society, but found that she was not wanted among her lover’s people. Opposite her is Maurice Braddell, who plays the part of the wealthy young lover, who is supported by Barbara Gott, Janet Alexander and George Bellamy. Barbara Gott must be credited for her excellent comedy, which she supplies throughout the production. “Not Quito a Lady” was directed for British International Pictures by Thomas Bentley, and is being released by C.A.F. “His House in Order” is the title of the second picture. This is the screen version of the famous play of the same name by the well-known playwright, Sir Arthur Pinero, author of “Trelawney of the Wells.” “His House in Order” tells of a wife’s unfaithfulness, of which her infatuated husband remains ignorant until long after her death in a motoring accident. He marries the beautiful but unconventional young governess he employs in the bereaved household. Yet the memory of his first wife dominates his thoughts and actions. Her aristocratic relatives, with Victorian severity, dominate his household and scorn its news mistress. Not realising the depth of the brave young wife's love, more true and real than that of the woman he still honours, he makes her life one of pain until the denouement brought about by the finding of some of the dead woman’s letters.

Miss Tallulah Bankhead brilliantly portrays the role of the light-hearted but true wife who spends so many unhappy days before her real chance comes to win the misplaced love of her husband for a woman whose life was a lie.

A beautiful stage presentation. “The Toy Shop Revels,” produced by Miss Lillian O’Leary and Mr. Yorke Gray, is given at the matinees every afternoon.