MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 872, 16 January 1930, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“BIG TIME” THIS EVENING Another of the Majestic’s fine programmes will be presented this evening, embracing entertaining short talkie features, musical selections, and a big feature entitled “Big Time.” While “Big Time,” which is a Fox Movietone all-talking drama, is a backstage in vaudeville story, it is one of human interest and this angle has been concentrated upon. The dramatic climax is reached in a motion picture studio in Hollywood. Lee Tracy, star of “Broadway” and o£ “The Front Page” New York stage productions, and Mae Clarke, another favourite from Broadway, play the leading roles. Tracy characterises Eddie Burns, a conceited small-time dancer, who marries Lilly Clark, his vaudeville team mate and whom he deserts after their baby is born. Eddie and his new partner, portrayed by Josephine Dunn, fail to make good and Eddie finds himself out of a job and with no hope of another one. Years pass,, the boy grows up and he and his mother obtain work in motion pictures, where Eddie finally discovers them in a Hollywood studio. Eddie has lost his conceit and has been made to see the error of his ways through long years of despair. He has never ceased to love Lilly and when he finds her and his son, a dramatic situation is reached that is sure to substitute sympathy for scorn by those who recognise his mental transition. “Big Time” does not lack for comedy. The fun is provided by Daphne Pollard, well-known screen comedienne, and the incomparable negro comedian, Stepin Fetcliit. Kenneth Hawks is responsible for the direction. An exceptionally enjoyable supporting programme will be presented.