MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 279, 24 November 1928, Page 17

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Occasionally from the hives that are the studios of Hollywood, there comes a picture which, without being extravagantly praised, as are so many, is an entertainment that cannot out be enjoyed. Though not peopled with players of the highest class, its story is well interpreted —a contention that has been proved more than once—and though it is not claimed for it that its photography and technique are "finished," "brilliant," it is a film which will compare more than favourably with others that are heralded in terms o: unwarranted superlatives. Such a production is "Hangman's House," the screen version of Don Byrne's novel, which opened its Auckland season at the Majes- , tic Theatre last evening. Set in old Ireland, the story is one of the hatred oi Citizen Hogan for informer John D'Arcv, to whom Connaugiit O'Brien, the daughter of Judge James O'Brien (known as Jimmy the Hangman, because ot the hundreds of men he has sent to the fallows) has been unwillingly given in marriage. Another who would be happy to see the last of DArcy is Derniot McDermot, who is in love with Connaugnt. Of the production of the picture much could be said. The atmosphere ot a typical Irish countryside has been well portrayed; the mist clings almost desperately to the hill-sides, and through it an occasional glimmer flickers like a Will-o - the-wisp; the fields of emerald green are smiled at by a kindly morning sun; everything seems in keeping with Matures beautiful work except the house. Hangman's House, gaunt, bleak. Much oi the photography reminds one of that in "Sunrise"; indeed, it seems that others among Fox directors have learned something from F. W. Mumau. June Collyer and Larry Kent play the two young lovers; clever work is that ot Victor Mc-, Laglen as Hogan, and Hobart Bosvortn as Judge O'Brien, but the honours for acting must go to Earle Foxe, whose first attempt at dramatic work, alter playing Van Bibber in the comedy series ot that name, is unexpectedly good. Again the supports are well selected. Especially interesting is a Nature study him, "A Struggle for Existence. Views of recent events from all parts of the world are contained in the Majestic News, and scenic beauty is provided in the New Zealand film, Rivet Avon"; humour is supplied by a comedy, starring Mae Busch, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Enjoyable music is played by the Majestic Orchesta, which, for a £* wWwil) be under Mr. Hayden Murray; a pot pourri selection ot Gilbert and Sullivan airs is rendered as an interlude.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. Columbia" is to be congratulated on deliveK mother sterling, drama to scree^ lovers. This time it .brings to the silver sheet a picture of Paris,, mmus all the hodge-podge usually associated with the Latin Quarter and-apache. In A woman's Way/' which is the attration at the National and Lyric Theatres , the audience is treated to a view of to-day. It is a-vivid, co ourful poiayal of.the French .city as it is known to travellers and natives Ihc weU bal anced cast is headed by, Warner Baxter, ■Margaret Livingston and Armand Kaliz The storv deals with the awakening ol love in the heart of a dancer malaiß nightclub. She has been so to the attentions of men that she i known as the "Frozen Flame. apache, has tried to wm the girl but, is unsuccessful in his attempts. He regards her as his property and keeps all wouldbe suitors away- A dashing American vonth, however; knows no fear Ol Jean and succeeds in making an impression on the cirl. She. .returns his affection, although fear of Jean makes her cautious m displaying it. Plot and intrigue tollov,, there are menacing shadows in notorious cafes and mortal combat in private rooms, which hold the attention and provide thrills. "Fleetwing" accompanies A Noman's Way" at both theatres, ihis is the fascinating romance of an Arabian dancing girl. The theme centres round the struggle against tribal traditions ol the girl and a young sheik, and much 01 the action is dependent upon the capture of a beautiful Arabian horse, which helps the young lovers in their flight to safety. Barry Norton and Dorothy Jams play the leading roles. Ben Bard is also in the cast.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Served up by' Geo. Ward's Whirl of Mirth Revue Company, a plate of "Ginger Snaps" proved very tasteful to the audience at the St. James' Theatre last evening. Indeed so palatable was the dish that only the lateness of the hour prevented the audience from clamouring tor more. In their latest effort, presented to Aucklanders for the first time last evening, Geo. Ward's band of merrymakers are even better than in their previous programmes. Thev have the house with them all through the piece. Ginger Snaps" is aptly named. It has ginger; it has snap. Merely to say that the piece goes with a swing does not do it justice. It is amusing from start to finish, and so well are the "'snaps" presented that there is never a dull moment. In addition to its mirth, the bill of fare has other qualities to commend it. There are several good musical numbers, and some delightful dancing, while the general presentation of the piece is most colounul. Comedyplenty of it—is supplied by Geo. Ward, Charles Sherman and Al Maurice, and what few of their jokes have been heard before are so skilfully put across that they lose little in the re-telling. George Ward, in particular, has plenty of scope for his versatility, although all three are so good that it is hardly lair to individualise. In "Sally Horner," Mr. Vernon Sellars fine baritone voice is heard at its best, and his other solos are well above the average. Patsy Hills numbers are delightfully sung, while Kathleen Ward scores one. of the successes of the erening with her talented rendering of the Andante from "Lucia di Lammermoor," played with the left hand only. The popularity of the Charleston Symphonic Six is every bit ,as great as when they first took the boards, and their efforts last evening were enthusiastically applauded. The numbers of the sextet range from jazz to classical, while solos by Frank Wilson (saxophone) and Art liewar (banjo) are.of a very high order. There are a host of short sketches and several special numbers by the chorus, whose attractive tracking is a feature of the show. "Ginger Snaps" will remain on the menu for a week.

TUDOR THEATRE. Patrons of the Tudor Theatre, Reniuera, are well catered for with the triple feature programme at present showing. The' first is "Detectives," a comedy, with Karl Dane as a modern Sherlock Holmes, and George K. Arthur as bell-boy at a fashionable hotel. This is followed by another comedy "Tell it to the Judge." The third feature is a Warner Brothers' production, "Beware of Married Men," starring Irene Rich. The story recounts the ups and downs of Myra Martin (Miss Rich) in trying to manage the love affairs of her flapper sister (Audrey Ferris), who is infatuated with a married man. The supports inelude a varied graphic, and a New Zealand Government pictorial of Mount Cook. On Tuesday Jack Holt. William Powell and Fred Kohler will appear in Zane Grey's story, "The Vanishing Pioneer"; also Lionel Barrymore in "Road House." Next Friday the bill will include "Hangman's House," in which Victor McLaglen will appear, supported bv June Collyer. The comedy "Wickedness Preferred" will be another feature with Lou Cody and Aileen Pringle in the leads.

"TALKIES" AT THE STRAND. Advice has been received that the "talkies" installation for New Zealand will be dispatched from New York in February. Fuller-Hayward Theatres have decided 'to equip the Strand Theatre with an installation and it is expected that this will be ready for its initial performance in .March, ...-,.. ,_.,.,.