MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 847, 16 December 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS”

-That New Zealand is capable of making a film attraction of such outstanding merits as to warrant its being shown to audiences the world over has been demonstrated in the production of “Under the Southern Cross,” which Universal made in this country and used for actors no less than our own native ’ace of Maoris.

“Under the Southern Cross” (or “Taranga”), which is now at the Majestic Theatre, portrays a graphic idea, in legendary form, of the Maori in peace and war as he was before the coming of the white man, and Universal has spared no expense in the matter of detail and data in an effort to produce a picture that will become a source of great pride to every true New Zealander.

It tells a story of the uniting of two native tribes, the Arikis and the Watees. by the marriage of children of each tribe desired by a dead chief of the Arikis, and father of the heroine, Miro. But a proviso calls for a contest between Miro's chosen and desired lover, Patiti, and Rangi, sullen son of the present Ariki chief. Fate wills that the Ariki son should win the test, and Miro is betrothed to Rangi, whom she detests, and is placed under the the marriage “tapu.’’ Nothing daunted, and despite the knowledge of the dire results of breaking the sacred “tapu,” Patiti meets Miro secretly in underground caves, but they are eventually discovered by Rangi, who wrathfully attacks Patiti. But in hand-to-hand combat Patiti proves the better, and Rangi fearfully breaks away and flees. Patiti, realising that the knowledge of the violation of the “tapu” will mean death to Miro at the hands of her tribe, pursues Rangi and catches him up at the brink of the Rua-Taniwlia, the volcano overlooking the villages. In the ensuing fight, Rangi is thrown into the inferno. As a result, there is war between the tribes, in which the Arikis triumph; but it is of brief duration, for the volcano bursts into eruption and overwhelms the Ariki village. After the mountain quietens, Patiti returns to seek his lost love, and ultimately finds her at the old trysting place beneath the gleaming stalactites. Equally enjoyable is the supporting programme.

Miss Bathie Stewart. newly-ap-pointed officer to the Publicity Department in U.S.A.. makes a personal appearance, and new music is by Mr. Whiteford-Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra. There are also two talkie sketches, a sound gazetts and a U.F.A. gem.