MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 917, 10 March 1930, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“WOMAN TRAP” Thank the talkies, if you must, for bringing us a more powerful form of entertainment than their predecessor, the silent drama. One of the really fine things which have come to us out of this talking age is “Woman Trap,” the Paramount all-talking attraction at the Majestic Theatre. “Woman Trap” is from the. stage play, “Brothers.” The conflict of brother v. brother started with the first two brothers on the face of the earth. But it remained for Paramount to give to the stage play that added life which is impossible to encompass on any stage. It is a sensational, daring picture with a theme that moves audiences in perfect rhythm to its action. The theme touches your heart. The action moves so swiftly you gasp for breath, fearful of breathing lest you lose a single movement. And the smashing climax brings you right out of your seat, for the unusual happens. The cast is as nearly perfect as it is possible to make them; they do not appear as actors, but more like the real puppets in the hands of life. Hal Skelly, who did such a n.eat bit in “The Hance of Life,” again adds to his laurels. Evelyn Brent adds vividness to the picture, and Chester Morris as the younger brother is superb. A particularly fine supporting programme of shorter talkies is also being presented. The items include a sound cartoon, “On High C’s,” two all-talking comedies, “Red Headed Hussies” and •Station 8.U.N.K.,” a U.F.A. gem. ‘Peculiar Households,” and finally, extracts from the opera, “The Pearl Fishers” (Bizet).

EMPRESS, NEWTON In "Street Girl,” which is now at the Empress Theatre, Newton, there is much that will appeal to lovers of good talking pictures. The most outstanding feature is the highly successful performance of Betty Compson. who has the role of a young Hungarian violinist, who achieves success in the cabarets of New York. This part she plays to perfection and she lives tho character of the little, timidl.y-as-sertive stranger in a new- land. In her whole demeanour there lurks a wistful appeal which the part serves to throw into full relief. Theatre-goers Will find pleasure in her playing of the viohn, and it is really about this accomplishment of the waif that the story has been built. There is a most capable supporting cast. Jack Oakie, a ycung star who possesses an attractive personality, lends satisfying comedy relief with a ready smile and a quick w r it.

Gloria Swanson will follow “The Trespasser” with the operetta “Queen Kelly.” the film that was begun prior to “The Trespasser’ ’and which is now being completed as an all-talking picture, with music and singing. Walter Byron appears opposite Miss Swanson in this, her second, all-talking picture..