“HER PRIVATE LIFE"

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 921, 14 March 1930, Page 14

“HER PRIVATE LIFE"

SOCIETY DRAMA AT MAJESTIC ALL-TALKIE FEATURE To save the ducal home from passing under the auctioneer’s hammer, Lady Helen Hadden married a retired pork butcher and brought tragedy into .her life. Ne 4 that there is anything wrong about pork butchers in general, but this one was a drunkard, and to make matters worse, the beautiful Lady Helen Joved another. The plot of “Her Private Life," which was screened at the Majestic last evening, is not outstanding for its originality, but the leading role is played by Billie Dove, who has the happy knack of making mediocre stories seem really good. “Her Private Life” is well enacted and well produced, and the talking is of a high standard. Lady Helen has fallen in love with a young American who, accompanied by his sister, is visiting her home. The young man is accused of cheating at cards, and when she defends him she incurs her husband’s displeasure. Dramatic events lead up to her divorce. Now almost penniless she goes to America. In America the once extravagant and popular noblewoman becomes just another atom of humanity among the teeming,-millions. This transition is excellently handled by Miss Dove, whose acting throughout is of a very high standard.

In America she pawns her last jewel to buy food, but holds out agains* temptation put in her way to make easy money. However, fate, fortunately, restores her to her lover, and the conventional happy ending is achieved.

.7 S .°9 iety scenes, a fox hunt, and a thrilling accident all add to the inof * he Picture. Miss Dove carries °. , rcde °f English noblewoman with distinction, and in the dramatic scenes a fine sense of restraint adds considerably to the effectiveness of the characterisation.

Montague Love plays the drunken w^i b fo nd T>-i Vlth usual ability, and Walter Pidgeon, Miss Dove’s new leading man, carries his part through with convmtion. The cast also includes Holmes Herbert, Thelma Todd, Roland 1 °A Ul^^>f ? 1 aSU -rf’ itts ’ all ha PPiiy cast. A Photofilm Pot-Pourri” proved to be of good general news interest. Among other views was a splendid screening of the London City Fire Brigade engaged in training operations. -Longariro” was the subject of the latest New Zealand Government publicity film, and the views taken at National Park proved both interesting and beautiful.

yery entertaining comedies, Jed s Vacation” and “Weak, But Willing,” completed a very enjoyable programme. Incidental music was provided by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra.