MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 685, 10 June 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE RINGER” Two million people in England alone have seen the Edgar Wallace play, “The Ringer"—4oo,ooo when it was first produced at Wyndliam’s Theatre, London, and 1,600,000 in the provinces, where it lias been staged triumphantly in practically every town. It is still drawing crowds, and has, besides, captured audiences all over the world, having played to record houses in Auckland. A production which makes such a hit must have in it all the elements of audience-appeal, and in the picture version, which is now at the Majestic Theatre, these are presented piping hot, and in intensified form. “The Ringer" is an amateur detective who pursues his obsession so ardently that he himself is eventually “wanted" by the police. He has a grudge against a shady solicitor in league with a gang of thieves, and it is around his schemes to elude the police, and take vengeance on the lawyer that the plot revolves. "The Ringer” is so called because of th€> changes which he rings on his personal appearance. So marvellous are his disguises that he completely deceives everyone—or almost everyone—about him. The story bulges with mystery and excitement—and the final tDrill in which “The Ringer’s” identity is unveiled is on© of the most thrilling and sensational one could hope to see on the screen. Much of the enjoyment is due to the magnificence of Leslie Faber’s portrayal of the name part—a role which he enacted in the stage version. With him, in a splendid cast, are such wellknown artists as Annette Benson, Lawson Butt, and Nigel Barrie.

“Strong Boy," the second feature, is the story of a big, good-natured railway baggage smasher, whose lack of ambition nearly costs him the love of the girl. Her methods of generating the spark of “get-up" in him provide situations which are guaranteed to bring laughter to the most blase. Beatrice Joy has the leading feminine role opposite Victor McLaglen, and contributes as fine a performance as has ever been witnessed. Farrell Macdonald is very effective in his part, and Clyde Cook. Slim Summerville and Tom Wilson comprise the comedy shock troops. The programme also includes a Majestic News, a nature study, and new selections by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Orchestra.

ROYAL SHOWS ‘THE PATRIOT” Emil Jannings's greatest picture, "The Patrio:,” which has been declared to be the finest film production of 1928, will be shown at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland, this evening. "The Patriot” is a tale of the Russian Tsarist court of 100 years ago, and of the mad Tsar, Paul 1.. the role played by Emil Jannings. The role of the patriot is played by Lewis Stone, while equally important roles are played by Florence Vidor and Neil Hamilton. The whole picture is both spectacular and dramatic, and a notable addition to Emil Jannings’s long list of successes. The usual supporting pictures will also be screened. DANCING AT DIXIELAND Another pleasant dance will be held amid the luxurious surroundings of the Dixieland Cabaret this evening. All the latest and brightest music will be played by the Dixieland Dance Band, and dancing will be enjoy*ed until midnight. Beatrice Joy’s initial Vitaphone picture for First National, will be "A Most Immoral Lady." from a drama of rhe samfi name bv Tnu-nsend ATartin.