MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 748, 22 August 1929, Page 17

MAJESTIC

“LADY OF THE NIGHT” This evening sees the final presentation at the Majestic Theatre of their first talking programme, which includes "The Awakening,” Vilma Banky’s sound and musical synchronised picture, together with a number of short talkie features. it is another well-earned personal triumph for the quiet, hard-working man who is D. W. Griffith, that bis sensational talking-singing picture. "Lady of the Night,” which opens at the Majestic tomorrow, is the tremendous success it is. The picture stands as the latest vindication of Griffith’s judgment, as against that of all the rest of the motion picture world. It is a xurther proof that there is no magical lamp more potent than genius and hard work to transform the inspiration of a moment into a masterpiece of art, to say nothing of commercial success. The talking motion picture has come into its own; and the great lines of eager patrons that crowd those theatres which are equipped for exhibiting them are prof enough that the innovation has taken firm hold. Apart from the innovation of sound, "Lady of the Niglit” is a strong dramatic production in its own silent right, with all the splendour of settings and rhythmic, poetic beauty that characterises Griffith’s bigger things. "Ladv of the Night” is, in fact, the first really significant motion picture musical drama. Lupe Velez, a soloist of high reputation aside from her film prominence, sings six times in this picture, each song accenting a dramatic situation. Her numbers include "Where is the Song of Songs for Me?” (Berlin) and "Ae Que Ver” and “Nena” (Harms). Miss Velez and other characters also talk in part of the picture. The elaborate musical score is by Hugo Reisenfeld, who made a. conspicuous success of the synchroniation for the other United Artists picture. "The Awakening." The picture attains special qualities and is presented on the United Artists programme as a Griffith special. The decadence of Napoleon the Third’s riotous court; the affairs of nobles; the intrigues of the diplomatic corps and a series of colourful dances by Lupe Velez, the personable Mexican player who scaled the movie heights with her dynamic characterisation opposite Douglas Fairbanks as the Gaucho. . , . , , William Boyd appears m a highly romantic role in this picture. Others in the cast are George Fawcett, Jetta Goudal. Albert Conti. William Bakewell and Henry Armetta. At the head of the wonderful supporting programme there will be a talkie in which the famous London comedian, George Robey, appears as "The Barrister." Other items will be scenes of Earl Haig’s funeral, a Fox Movietone News, a song and dance number by the Moscow Art Singers entitled "A Russian Wedding.” and finally selections by the Majestic Octet. THE “ILLUSION” Neil Hamilton has been assigned by Paramount to play one of the leading roles in “Illusion,” the all-talking film of Arthur Train's latest novel, dealing with a young magician’s adventures in society. Charles (Buddy) Rogers and Nancy Carroll, who were co-featured in "Close Harmony,” will again appear together in "illusion."