MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 857, 28 December 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE ISLE OF LOST SHIPS”

No producer lias dared to be so imaginative and succeeded in being so strikingly realistic and convincing as the producers of “Tli© Isle of Lost Ships,” since the time when the same company sponsored “The Lost World.” That, perhaps, explains why this offering at the Majestic Theatre this week is so refreshing and thrilling. It takes a striking romantic and dramatic situation, shipwrecks all the characters, and plunges them, drama, romance and all, into the world’s still unexplored, enigmatic region—the Sargasso Sea. For Virginia Valli and Jason Robards (the lovers of the story) and Robert O’Connor (who plays a detective), the Sargasso Sea proves to be inhabited. There’s a little colony there under the rule of an ex-wlialing ship captain, portrayed by Noah Beery. Fifty men and two women make up the colony. While the story is sweepingly imaginative, unlike “The Lost World,” it is based upon scientific fact. For this reason it is more likely to intrigue and entertain every sort of person. And the fine histrionic efforts of the actors, entitle it to first consideration by anyone, on the grounds of sheer entertainment quality. The director has filled his cast with picturesque characters, some of whom may some day regard “The Isle of Lost Ships” as a landmark in their rise to fame. The scenic values of the island of seaweed and derelict ships are immense. So is the artistic quality of the photography and technical work, which reproduces miles of wrecked ships of every century back to the Spanish galleons. Of course the director did Tiot neglect the big opportunities afforded for thrilling action. We’re even taken below the surface of the sea for a submarine ride! The love affair is novel and satisfying, and the picture also abounds in humour.

Everyone’s voice is splendidly recorded and very effective dramatically. All of the sounds reproduced, every one so very naturally, assist wonderfully in making the most imaginative parts of the film credible and satisfying.

The supporting programme is most entertaining. The outstanding English patter artists, Clapham and Dwyer, provide abundance of fun with their clever repartee, while there is also Jack Smith, the whispering baritone, and a few gazettes. Mr. J. Whiteford Waugh’s band makes a distinct hit in playing “Viennese Medley” and “Piccolo Pete.”