FEATS OF DARING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 980, 24 May 1930, Page 14

FEATS OF DARING

DEATH-DEFYING ACTION ON THE TRAPEZE MAJESTIC’S NEW BILL Those who appreciate feats of daring, and which of us do not, will find ample reward at the Majestic Theatre this week where a remarkable talkie centering round the death-defying acts r of an acrobatic troupe heads the bill. "TJALF-WAY TO HEAVEN” is an unusual story. Its strength lies not only in its spectacular aspect, but also in the simplicity of its plot. In a way it is an old t story yet it is new. The major proportion of the action is in the keeping of three, two men and the girl. Charles “Buddy 0 Rogers has the exacting role of the daredevil acrobat who loves and wins the girl, played by Jean Arthur, who will be remembered as the heroine of the “Greene Murder Case.” The third side of the triangle is well done by Paul Lukas, who makes a revengeful suitor. A substantial part of the story swings 60 above ground. You watch the most breath-taking evolutions imaginable. The producers have worked up the suspense with powerful effect; you feel that something is going to happen in every hair-brained trick the sky artists put over. Nor are you disappointed. The “third man” disposes of one rival by the very simple means of letting him drop to earth from, a difficult blindfold turn. Then Rogers enters tbe troupe and something happens—this time to the murderer. The dialogue is for the most part clear and one does not need an interpreter to understand the tongue. POPULAR “MICKEY"

The management has made a balanced selection for the rest of the entertainment. “Mickey the Mouse/’ that inimitable of screen types, features in a seaside romance which abounds in all the quaint doings which are associated with the most consistently funny of movieland’s comedians In “Wild Waves” Mickey effects a thrilling and strenuous rescue of a lady mouse and all the animal world is joyous in the manner only possible under the cartoonist’s pencil. A bright idea of the talkie producer is seen and heard in “Glorious Vamps.” Herein are seen and heard some of the great women of ancient history and their influence over man. You meet first of all seductive Eve and her husband. Then comes Samson and Delilah, Anthony and Cleopatra, Lucretia Borgia, Carmen and many another. The producer, Dr. Hugo Reisenfield, who brought the famous “1812 Overture” to the screen, lias skilfully provided a background of excerpts from notable compositions played by an orchestra of 100. Down the centuries one moves with sustained interest until the modern girl with all her allure is represented In beautiful Lupe Velez. A very good feature.

In addition there is a piece “The Bearded Lady,” with Louise Fazenda, in the title part. A clever cartoon car-* ried along by merry singing and talking appears under the heading of “The Prisoner’s Song.” This is extremely funny, depicting as it does animal convicts doing hard labour and making immense fun out of it. The programme is rounded off with a, series of news items presented by Universal Newspaper News. As a prelude the Majestic Orchestra under Mr. Wliiteford Waugh plays a number of selections. SHOP ASSISTANTS’ DANCE The usual weekly (lance of the Auckland Retail Shop Assistants’ union Charity Club will be held in the Scots Hall on Monday evening, and a very pleasant time is promised. The music is provided by the popular and talented Versatile Pirates’ Jazz Band and the floor is ideal for dancing.