MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 721, 22 July 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE AIR CIRCUS” A pictorial gem, brand new in theme, and all that any film patron could ask for in the way of thrills and sterling entertainment, “The Air Circus,” began a run at the Majestic Theatre on Friday and was well attended on Saturday. This Fox Film is superb entertainment. It takes the movie goer up in the clouds —makes him forget that he’s looking at a screen, and gives the sensation of actually riding in a plane. More than 75 per cent, of the picture is made off the ground. The directors have robbed many persons* of the thrill of their first plane ride, because it is impossible to imagine oneself within a theatre during the screening of “The Air Circus.” To all intents and purposes the theatre patron is riding the skies with David Rollins, Sue Carol and Arthur Lake, the three young principals in the cast. The theme of the story concerns two young men who leave their home in the country town to take up flying on the Pacific Coast. One, David Rollins, whose brother gave his life overseas to save the owner of the aviation school, where the boys go to study, from death by an enemy plane, logically should develop into a competent flier for his interest centres in flying. However, he develops into a dud, so to speak, showing an ever growing fear of the air. The other lad, a daredevil, whose interest centres in sky travel rather than learning the mechanics of flying on the ground work, flies rings round Rollins, though both have the same teacher —Sue Carol. Delaney and Miss Carol expect great things from Rollins because of their knowledge of his brother’s bravery in driving his own plane into that of an enemy to save Delaney, thus sacrificing his life for his buddy. The audience is ready to weep with Rollins, Miss Carol and Delaney when the youth is “grounded” and denied further attempts at flying. Then his pal, Lake, goes up and in the take-off shears off the landing gear of his plane. Rollins forgets his inability to land a plane, and goes up to warn Lake of the danger. This done he recalls his air fear, but a spiritual guide comes in the phantom form of his dead hero brother, who helps him bi'ing his plane down safely, thus gaining a victory over his air fear and winning the girl the admiration of all his pals at the school. The supporting programme is of the usual high standard at the Majestic, and includes a film entitled “Dream of Love,” and starring Joan Crawford. “Dream of Love” is based on the play, “Adrienne Lecouvreur,” which was constructed on the historic facts in the life of Adrienne Lecouvreur, a foremost actress of Europe, and Maurice Sax, one of the most spectacular and dramatic of history. It was one of Sarah Bernhardt’s favourite roles.

Nils Asther, Aileen Pringle and Carmel Myers are among the featured players in a large and brilliant cast.