MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 969, 12 May 1930, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“SEVEN DAYS’ LEAVE” In response to insistent demands, the Majestic Theatre management has secured the splendid talking film “Seven £>ays’ Leave” for a short return season commencing today. The charming story is from Sir James Barrie’s play “The Old Lady Shows Her Medals,” and the film stars in tho leading roles Beryl Mercer as the old lady, and Gary Cooper. The story concerns the pride of an old lady who “adopts” Private Dowey, of the Canadian Black Watch, as her son. Dowey receives cakes and other small comforts regularly from England, unaware that his well-wisher is a homely little woman who spends her days scrubbing floors, and her evenings in addressing letters to herself from her boy at the front. Dowey, who was a criminal in Canada, is the despair of his commanding officers. He is given seven days’ leave, although it is not expected that he will return to Franec once he has made his way to England. On arriving in London he meets Mrs. Dowey, whose simple joy at seeing the big son of her dreams absolutely baffles him. At first thoroughly suspicious of her advances, he threatens to leave her, but relents and takes her on probation as a mother. As the days pass, Dowey grossly overstays his leave, and the pair grow very fond of one another. Finally the climax comes when a chance word gives the old lady a hint that her boy is not anxious to return to the front. He is confronted with a struggle between his own impulse to desert and return to a life of dishonesty, and the desire to justify the proud faith which his adopted mother has in him. The story is skilfully presented and there is a very pleasing restraint in the emotional scenes which lends conviction to the acting. The powerful romantic film, “Dangerous Paradise,” from Joseph Conrad’s novel, “Victory.” and starring Richard Arlen and Nancy Carroll, is also being presented. The Majestic's current programme will also include a number of enjoyable talking and singing items.