MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 628, 3 April 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“PARADISE” COMING “Romance of the Unwderworld,” now at the Majestic Theatre, is the title of one of the finest pieces of screen entertainment that has come this way in many months. It was made by the same director who produced “Dressed to Kill” for Fox Films, Irving Cummings. Radically different in theme from his former film, it is nevertheless a story of underworld characters. The story is of a girl who is forced to make her living as an entertainer in a speakeasy, who tires of it all, tries to redeem herself in a new environment, meets and marries a good man, but who is ever in fear of a former acquaintance, “Derby Dan,” a philanderer, thief and blackmailer. Only the help of a friendly detective saves her from ruin and disposes of “Derby Dan” in a sensational manner. Mary Astor is the girl, Ben Bard is “Derby Dan” and Robert Elliott is the detective. A full supporting programme includes short, films, new music by the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. Whiteford Waugh, and a stage presentation in which Mr. Jack Gordon sings “High Upon a Hilltop.” Since the passing of the late idol of the screen, Rudolph Valentino, many other handsome young actors have been claimed by Press agents and overenthusiastic critics as being true successors to the late stax*. Most of these announcements have proved to be only wild conjectures, and the so-called successors vanish into thin air after their first film or else take minor roles where little or no notice is taken of them. Of English “Valentinos,” not much has been heard until British International found Alexandre D’Arcy, who is to be seen in “Paradise,” the new picture at the Majestic on Friday. D’Arcy is not just a “find” that will disappear as quickly as he has appeared, but a real actor. He is goodlooking, possesses a charming personality, and is an excellent all-round sportsman. Following his outstanding success in this film, 8.1. P. have signed him up to appear in several of the coming attractions this year, including “The Spanish Dandy,” “The Daughter of the Regiment,” and several others. Betty Balfour, the famous English actress, who is remembered for her work in many well-known films, is to be seen opposite him. ?