MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 768, 14 September 1929, Page 16

MAJESTIC

“THE IRON MASK” B’Artagnan and the three musketeers have come to town. Bouglas Fairbanks’ new picture, “The Iron Mask,” is now' at the Majestic Theatre. Boug is again the gay and dashing B’Artagnan of “The Three Musketeers,” of which this picture is the sequel. Alexandre Bumas must have known a seventeenth century Boug when he created B’Artagnan, for the musketeer’s cape tits the Fairbanks shoulders as if made to order. “The Iron Mask” is the sort of picture which inspires adjectives, magnificent settings, gorgeous pageantry, breathtaking adventure. It has everything, comedy, tragedy, drama and adventure. Last night’s audience divided its breath between gasps of excitement as the story unfolded, and “ohs” and “ahs” of appreciation of its beauty. There is not a dull moment from the time the four musketeers ride into the French village, until they raise their swords in their final salute, “One for all, all for one.” All the world knows Bumas’ four guardsmen, B’Artagnan. Athos, Porthos and Aramis. The story opens with the birth of an heir to the throne of their weakling monarch, Louis XIII., and Richelieu’s secret abduction of the tiny Bauphin’s unwanted twin brother. The young prince * grows into manhood and becomes Louis XIV. The gallant musketeers defend him as loyally as they did his father. They solve the mystery of the iron-masked captive in the lonely fortress of St. Marguerite, a mystery which has baffled the centuries, and restore the rightful Louis to his throne. The last scene, in which the four faithful friends join to seek the greater adventures which await them beyond the grave, is one of the most beautiful moments ever screened. To the world Bouglas Fairbanks brings the romance and colbur which it craves. He surpasses even his own I heighths in this picture. The famous Fairbanks smile and agility are there, plus a new* touch of tenderness and j true dramatic feeling. Leon Bary as the intellectual Athos. ! Stanley, J. Sandford, as the swash- . j buckling Porthos, and Gino Corrado, ! as the amorous Aramis, are admirable : | companions for B’Artagnan. Nigel • jde Bruller makes a most impressive | Richelieu, who shrewdly controls the destines of France through his ; mastery' of his king. Louis XIII., played . with perfect foppery by Rolphe Sedan. 5 Ulrich Haupt is a sinister de Rochefort, i villian extraordinary, whose plans for ; the overthr<?wal of Louis XlV’s throne . are prevented by the quick w'its and keen blades of the four musketeers. Marguerite de la Motte is a lovely Constance and Borothy Revier a perfect Milady de Winter. A most enjoyable supporting programme is also presented. The items include a Fox News and Eve’s Review with the latest world events, a Glenn Tryon comedy and selections by' the Majestic octet under Mr. WhitefordWaugh. Charles (Buddy) Rogers, and Nancy I Carroll play the leading roles in a new 1 Paramount all-talking picture, titled ! “Illusion.” which is now in production, j Rogers has the role of a young vaude- | ville magician who is not satisfied with j stage success, but desires a career in society.