“THE SILENT HOUSE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 690, 15 June 1929, Page 14

“THE SILENT HOUSE”

DRAMA OF THE EAST MAJESTIC’S NEW PICTURE The subtleties, loves and hatreds of the mysterious bast are the basis of “The Silent House,” the British pie- 1 ture which opened the new programme at the Majestic Theatre last evening. ! From the play by George G. Brandon ] and George Pickett, the director has 1 succeeded in capturing the spirit of the original play and transferring it to the silver sheet without losing anything in the process. Gibb McLaughlin as Dr. Chan Fu is a realistic leading character, and has succeeded admirably in the make-up which transforms him from an English gentleman into a Chinese mandarin. Even when he is dressed in European clothes in an English home he is unmistakably of the East —a combination of scheming intrigue and religious mysticism. Miss Mabel Poulton takes the part of T’Mala, an English girl, in the power of Chan Fu, and her dainty personality presents a charming foil for the sinister man. Ho Fang, a Chinese

servant, is interpreted by Kyoshi •Takase, who supplies humour and drama in equal proportions. A wildcat when aroused, Mo Fang shows his mettle in a semi-humorous scene wlrerein he squares accounts with a half-caste oversee^. Gerald Rawlinson plays the part of Tdartv, a well-meaning, and ’goodhearted but rather brainless young Englishman, who has plenty of selfconfidence. while Arthur Pusey, Albert Brouett, Frank Perfitt and Arthur Stratton characterise other important Parts. The story concerns the theft of the sacred star of Yun Nan and the plots and cunning utilised by Chan Fu to recover the jewel and replace it on the tomb of his ancestors. The scene is i set in China and England and thrill is packed on thrill as first one and then another of the rival factions gains a seeming victory. The mystery of the East is well preserved, and the gusto with which murder is done by the disciples of Chan f'u is sufficient to send cold chills down the spine of the most hardened onlooker. The supporting programme is headed by “Four Indian Love Lyrics,” starring Peggy Shaw and Wheeler Dryden. The story of the four wellknown songs, “The Temple Bells,” “Less Than The Dust,” “Till I Awake” and “The Kashmiri Song,” are cleverly interpreted on the screen, appropriate music being played by the Majestic Orchestra under the baton of Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh. The setting and acting is excellent. Eve’s Review and the Majestic Magazine depicting world events, the latest in fashion and contrasting events of 25 years ago with the present day, complete an already bumper programme, while the. music of the Majestic Orchestra provides an entertainment in itself.