MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 17

MAJESTIC

“THE GREAT GABBO" A surprise packet! That, in brief, sums up “The Great Gabbo,” the Paramount all-talking, part colour picture now at the Majestic Theatre, presenting Erich von Stroheim, master character player, and adorable Betty Compson in the leading roles. Tho story is one of the most novel presented on the screen for many a year—certainly the most novel the talking screen has yet presented. Concisely, the story is woven around the main character, “The Great Gabbo,” an egotistical ventriloquist, whose inordinate self love carries him to tho heights of fame and as quickly plunges him into the depths. The better side of his nature finds expression through the sayings of his dummy —Otto.

Erich von Stroheim in the part of Gabbo, the ventriloquist, is superb. His characterisation is startlingly natural. Betty Compson reveals herself not only as a great actress but also —as one critic describes it —“as a singer with a wonderful voice.” Donald Douglas appears in a minor role. Some of the greatest spectacles ever brought to the screen have been photographed in the beautiful natural colours through the technicolour process. AVlien it is mentioned that over 500 chorus girls took part in these gloriously beautiful scenes one is able to form an idea of the magnitude of the production.

Finally, there are several melodious song numbers included, and the two most outstanding, “I’m in Love AVith You” and “The AVeb of Love,” are predicted as the hits of 1930.

The supporting programme of the Majestic is of an equally high standard