MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 848, 17 December 1929, Page 17

MAJESTIC

SPLENDID PROGRAMMES The successful Maori picture, “Under the Southern Cross,” continues its successful season at the Majestic Theatre. The story opens when Pakura, deceased chief of the mighty Ariki tribe, decreed that when his daughter, Miro, became of marriageable age, she was to be betrothed to Patiti, son of the chief of the rival Wa-tee tribe, but on condition that Patiti proved himself a better warrior than -Rajigi, son of the ruling chief of the Arikis. At the resultant festival and contest, Patiti, by a trick, is defeated, but his love for Miro prompts him to visit her secretly in a beautiful underground cavern. This is in defiance of the sacred tapu placed oil a betrothed maiden, and when the lovers are discovered by Rangi, a fight, followed by a chase and an ultimate fight on the brink of a volcano, results in Patiti throwing his rival into the burning pit. This incenses the Arikis, who go to war with Patiti’s people, and after a sanguinary battle defeat them, and burn their village. The Wa-tee’s annihilation is saved by the intervention of Ruataniwha, the volcano, which erupts and destroys the Ariki stronghold and demoralises that tribe. Patiti and his band of war.riors take advantage of the situation and become the victors, Patiti eventually seeking and finding in their old trysting place. The picture is replete with action, thrills, and excellent photography, bearing comparison with the best of American-made pictures, while the genuine restraint and wholehearted acting of the Maori cast is one of the many interesting features of this absorbing production. Equally enjoyable is the supporting programme. Miss Bathie Stewart, newly appointed officer to the Publicity Department in U.S.A., makes a personal appearance, and new music is played by Mr. Whitef arc’-Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra. There are also two talkie sketches, a sound gazette, and a U.F.A. gem. On Thursday evening the Majestic will present an entire change of programme. This special holiday programme will include the features, The Circus Kid,” a glittering, colourful story of circus life, starring the clever little boy actor, F.rankie Darro; “The Valiant.” a powerful all-talking drama of a son’s love, starring Paul Muni and Margaret Churchill; also “Forget Me Not,” an all-talking romance of Christmas in a German village of 1754.

Ralph Spence, probably the bestknown comic title writer in the world, and the man who evolved the highly successful titles for “The Connecticut Yankee,” has been engaged to work in collaboration with Raoul Walsh on the next Victor McLaglen picture, ‘The Well-Dressed Man.” McLaglen will sing in this picture.