MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 627, 2 April 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“ROMANCE OF THE UNDERWORLD" ' Troubles and grief that beset one who has travelled the primrose path have been emphasised many times in song, story and on the screen, but few times in a more vivid way than is emphasised in “Romance of the 'Underworld,” now at the Majestic Theatre. Patrons of the theatre were a bit sceptical of advance notices which proclaimed that this picture was even better entertainment that “Pressed to Kill,” a prior Fox film, which starred Mary Astor. The general trend of thought was that “Pressed to Kill” could not be followed by another underworld picture with several of the cast again appearing and evolve anything new either in theme, directing or acting, but it has been done. “Romance of the Underworld” as a stage play was a success some years ago. Its theme has been adhered to. but the plot has been brought up to the minute without lessening its thread of story. Briefly told, it deals with a beautiful girl who. through adversity, is forced to earn a living as an entertainer in a “speakeasy.” She is in the toils of a notorious thief and despoiler who calls himself “her man” and collects her earnings. The girl tires of it all and seeks to escape, both from his clutches and from the life she is leading. She gets work in a laundry only to have him follow her. Eventually she becomes a waitress in a restaurant, studying at night, then a secretary. Later she marries her employer and is a happy wife and mother when “Perby Pan,” just released from prison, threatens to tell her husband of her past. Pesperate, the girl seeks the aid of a detective who had befriended her in the old days and who knows she is straight. How he solves the problem forms a sensational climax. The excellent supporting programme includes an Eye’s Review, a comedy, an orchestral interlude, “Echoes pf the Opera.” a Majestic Magazine, and a fine stage presentation in which Mr. Jack Gordon sings “High on the Hilltops.” The musical side is of course capably handled by Mr. "WhitefordWaugh’s Majestic Orchestra. Once again British International Pictures have come to the fore with a good entertainment film. This time it is with the Betty Balfour picture “Paradise.” which was directed by Peninson Clift at the studios at Elstree. It is the story of a country clergyman’s daughter, who wins a crossword puzzle competition, and goes to the Riviera to enjoy her good fortune. There she meets a fascinating young man who introduces herto the high life of Monte Carlo. She later finds that the fellow is of a low type, and it is with new ideas of pleasure that the girl returns home to her old lover in England. The film story was adapted from Sir Phillip Gibbs’s novel, “The Crossword Puzzle,” and will be relased at the Majestic Theatre on Friday.