MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 739, 12 August 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS” A romance told amid the crash of machine-guns and the uncanny mysteries of the underworld is the unique drama in which Lon Chaney is starring at the Majestic Theatre, in “While the City Sleeps,” Metro-Goldwyp-Mayer’s vivid cross section of the New York underworld. Thrills, sensations, .adventures and mystery mark the swift movement of the story, but a delicate love story runs through it and delicately human touches add to its startling realism. Chaney plays a detective, a mixture of the “hard-boiled” police officer and the human soul starved for love and sentiment, giving a masterly portrayal. Among the dramatic scenes 'Stffe tllb vivid machine-gun battle between

police, and the sensational chase of a bandit gang over the rooftops of a city. The grim adventure in the undertaker’s attic where the gangsters take refuge, the sinister “shadow box” at police headquarters, and the fingerprint room, where the prisoners are given th£ Bertillon measure-

mentis, are other striking details in the spectacular mystery drama. Pretty Anita Page plays the heroine. Others in the cast are Carroll Nye, Wheeler Oakman, Richard Carle, Polly Moran, William Orlamond and others of note. The supporting programme is of the usual high standard one associates with the Majestic Theatre. Opening with a New Zealand scenic and a Majestic Magazine with news of the old world, it includes one of those de- j lightful “Our Gang” comedies. This one is entitled “Chicken Feed.” Chief among the musical features of the programme is a scena by Melodie Gaie, the celebrated English harpist, whoso appearance is very interesting. The interlude is called “In a Music Box.” Finally there is a number of new and bright selections by Mr. Whiteford-Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra. PLAZA “THE WOLF OF WALL STREET” The Plaza Theatre continues to present the fine all-talking 100 per cent, dialogue picture entitled “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The star is George Bancroft, who has lately been very much in the front in the film world. As may be construed from the title of the film, Bancroft portrays the role of an investment broker who dabbles in stocks and bonds. So engrossed is he with his ■6rork that he becomes entirely oblivious to his wife’s social activities—who, before her husband became wealthy, was a circus performer. Baclanova essays the role of the neglected wife. Bancroft has a partner in his business, which part is portrayed by Paul Lukas. Lukas dislikes Bancroft be- , cause his partner boasts too much of his ability to make or break the stock market. For revenge he strikes up a flirtation with Bancroft’s wife. How Bancroft works vengeance upon the two, in a manner more to be felt by them through their pocket-books, serves to make one of the most inter- [ esting stories ever filmed. Aside from Lukas and Baclanova, Bancroft has excellent help from Nancy Carroll and Arthur Rankin, who have important role 6 in the production. On the same programme there is a number of most enjoyable short talkie features. There is a charmingly humorous one-act play entitled “Miss Information,” interpreted by Lois Wilson and Edward Everett Horton, two noted cinema stars. Other items are a Paxamount talkie cartoon entitled “Old Black Joe,” and excerpts from grand opera by two Italian stars, Gigli and He Luca. They sing “Del Tiempo al Limitai,” from Bizet’s great opera, “The Fisher of Pearls.” Finally there are jazz selections by Reb Spike’s negro jazz band, and a number of songs by the Brox sisters. DIXIELAND CABARET Dixieland Cabaret will be the scene of another happy dance this evening, when the Dixieland Dance Band will repeat the bright s -new numbers which were so successful on Saturday evening. Dancing will be enjoyed until midnight.