EXCITING MYSTERY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 798, 19 October 1929, Page 16

EXCITING MYSTERY

“THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES” OPENS GOOD MAJESTIC BILL Courtroom dramas are the vogue these days. Few films are considered complete without one, and in several recent cases the entire story has been told from the criminal trial angle—incidentally, a most effective one. “Through Different Eyes,” which opened at the Majestic last evening, follows the new and popular fashion. This introduction of courtroom scenes proves, probably more than anything else, the fact that talking

pictures are treading the long trail blazed by the legitimate drama, for the construction of the screen situations call to mind legitimate melodrama of past days. Never theless “Through Different Eyes” as a whole is nothing if not modern in

theme, atmosphere and effect. It is an exciting, gripping and thoroughly effective photoplay, a delightful feature of which is the clarity and pleasing crispness of the dialogue. Moreover it demonstrates that tremendous advantage which the screen possesses in its j contest with the stage, for the camera j is able to ‘ flash back” from the courtroom to the actual happenings that are being described by counsels for the prosecution and defence. Three times in “Through Different Eyes” that flash back is used and each time, a different picture is painted on the same fabric of facts. The tale in its entirety is presented with extraordinary interest and may be classed unhesitatingly as one of the best Fox Movietone productions seen and heard in Auckland, introducing its audience to a mysterious murder, the whys and wherefores of which are brought to light during a really thrilling trial. Mary Duncan, a magnificent actress of long experience, is the star of the picture. As Viola Manning she presents a telling character portrait in three phases. Appearing first as the young wife, she substitutes that mood for the blase, sophisticated touch, and concludes on a note of cynicism as she portrays a disillusioned woman. Since the appearance of “In Old Arizona” at the Strand, Aucklanders have waited impatiently for a reappearance of Warner Baxter, who has an excellent talkie voice and personality. His work in “Through Different Eyes” proves that he has fulfilled every promise made for him. In slightly lesser degree the same applies to Edmund Lowe, whose characterisations as* the husband is as polished and clear-cut as ever. But these three are only a few of the clever principals called together by Fox. Included in the list are Natalie Moorhead, Earle Fox, Florence Lake and Nigel de Brulier. Throughout the action of the screen play is maintained with deft steadiness. The photography is excellent, likewise the sound and speech reproduction and the climax comes unexpectedly. True to its reputation the Majestic management has by no means placed, as it were, all its eggs in one basket. There is a group of uncommonly attractive supporting units comprising a short subject programme that would be indeed difficult to better.

“The Belle of Samoa,” a tabloid musical comedy introducing pretty girls, Lois Moran, Clark, McCullough, and a lot more pretty girls, heads the lists. Richard Bonelli, a good baritone, sings the prologue from “Pagliacci” with magnificent power, and Raquel Meller is heard in operatic selections. Finally there is an excellent Fox Movietone news budget and a TJ.F.A. travelogue showing interesting glimpses of the Near East.

CAPITOL “FOUR DEVILS” Tinsel and tears, sawdust and sorrow—that is the theme of the fine picture, “Four Devils,” now at the Capitol Theatre. The chalked face of a professional clown masks his love and devotion to four orphaned children, to whom he is father, mother and instructor. His life is devoted to their happiness and training as aerialists in a travelling circus. His life work is crowned with success, but his happiness is but fleeting at the result obtained. Overnight his house of cards tumbles. The devastation is wrought by “the lady” who, through love and passion, tears down what he had built so well. Janet Gaynor, Nancy Drexel. Barry Norton and Charles Morton are the stars. Charles, the leader of the troupe, and Marion, the star acrobat, fall in love. On their opening night in Paris a wealthy siren makes love to Charles. He neglects his work, and through being out of practice, nearly meets with disaster in his famous “death dive.” Realising his folly, he decides to break away from the siren, but the woman does not let him go so easily. The Roxy Theatre Orchestra provides the synchronised music, and this includes the theme song “Marion.” BAND AT ZOO TOMORROW The Municipal Band presents a ; bright musical programme at the Zooi logical Park on Sunday afternoon at three o’clock. Among the items to be played are “The Desert Song” selection. “Jubilant” overture, “Ballad Memories,” a fantasia introducing many old favourite melodies, Bizet’s 1 tuneful suite, “L’Arlesienne.” and stirring marches and popular hymn tunes. Mr. J. Purchase will play the euphonium solo, “Nazareth,” and Mr. Hal C. McLennan the piccolo solo. “Souvenir do Liege,” AKARANA YACHT CLUB DANCE | The Akarana Yacht Club will hold j its usual excellent Saturday evening dance in the Clubhouse, Mechanic’s Bay, this evening. A free bus runs from Endean’s Buildings,