MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“MARIE ANTOINETTE.” “Marie Antoinette,” which opens today at the Majestic Theatre, is a triumph for Norma Shearer. Magnificent in its pageantry, with brilliant costumes and setting, flawlessly cast with such famed film names as Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, Anita Louise, Joseph Schildkraut, Gladys George, and scores of others, these were secondary to Miss Shearer’s absorbingly human interpretation of a woman sometimes carefree, oftimes desperate, seeking for happiness. The story has gripping power on the screen because it is so simply told. Miss Shearer’s “Antoinette” is a girl eager to be in love and to be loved, who finds herself married to a moronic husband, a role superbly played by Robert Morley, young English actor making his first motion picture appearance. When he fails her and his country through weakness of mind and spirit, she seeks escape in made pleasures and dangerous flirtations. But in the end, she cannot escape her destiny as the last Queen of France. "Marie Antoinette” is

thoroughly entertaining. Power is a handsome, gallant, and convincing Count Axel de Fersen, the man who dared to love a Queen. There are moments of great drama and poignant tragedy, but also delightful comedy. Much of the humour is provided by Barrymore, whose performance as the cynical, world-weary King Louis XV, is among his finest. Miss George’s du Barry is lusty and amusing. Schildkraut, a recent Academy Award winner, is a thoroughly villainous Duke d’Orleans.