DRAMA OF CROOKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 626, 1 April 1929, Page 15

DRAMA OF CROOKS

MAJESTIC’S NEW PICTURE ROMANCE OF THE UNDERWORLD Down below the respectable strata' of society lies the underworld —that haunt of the hunted and hopeless very often —but also, the world of flashy trickster and aristocratic crook. This setting has been chosen for “Romance of the Underworld,” the Fox film which opened the picture week at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday. Mary Astor, as Judith, the girl who is forced by the stern necessity of making a living, to enter the only sphere possible to her at a decent wage —entertainer in a notorious New York “speak-easy.” iSho is dominated by “Derby Dan,” a crook who preys on women, takes their earnings, picks pockets and does anything that will turn a dishonest coin. The part is played by Ben Bard, who interjDrets the character of the bad man faultlessly. Dan is also a “stool pigeon,” that most despised of men in the social pit—a police informer, who secures his own safety by giving his fellow criminals away to the police. The den is doing good business when it is raided by the police, but Detective Burke (Robert Elliott) and his men find the bar counters swept clean of all evidence. Derby Dan, however, “plants” a stolen wallet in the pocket of the proprietor, and an arrest for theft follows. The detective permits Judith to go free, however, while the rest of the underworld gang are taken away in the prison van.

Judith takes the opportunity to make something of her life, assisted financially by Detective Burke, and after finding a respectable position, makes herself into an efficient business woman. With her past wiped out by years of decent living, she is wooed and won by her employer (John Boles), and settles down to a life of happiness. But "Derby Dan,” who has just finished a prison sentence, comes into her life, and learns of her position. When he attempts to blackmail her she appeals to her old friend, Detective Burke, who drops a hint to the “speakeasy” proprietor as to Dan’s part in the planting of the stolen wallet. The “speak-easy” man cherishes revenge, and the climax of the picture is reached when “Derby Dan” is removed from the piece by the aid of a revolver in the hands of a revengeful man of the underworld. Judith’s past is thus kept hidden, and she is free to live out her life in happiness. The novel and humorous twists that brings the picture to a climax is a piece of excellent work. For those who love mystery, adventure and the tliousand-and-one thrills that go to make a good “crook” story, “Romance of the Underworld” is a picture of pictures. A comedy, a gazette, and Eve's Review added to the big picture, make the Majestic programme an overflowing one. The Majestic Orchestra, in “Looking Back,” is particularly fine. This embraces selections from famous operas, including “Faust,” “Rigoletto,” “II “Trovatore.” “Carmen” and “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Mr. Jack Gordon is heard in the song, “High on the Hilltops.”