MAJESTIC THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 190, 8 May 1937, Page 16

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“Romeo and Juliet” Acknowledged for three centuries as the greatest love story the world has known, Shakespeare's sublime tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet,” has come to the talking screen, aud all who have seen it during the past week at the Majestic Theatre will agree that it comes in triumphant guise to confound those who would argue that Shakespeare has no nlaoe in the moving-picture world, for it is one of the most artistically beautiful creations, idealised even beyond the wildest dreams of those who know the play intimately. This ancient and splendid tragedy, though, naturally enough, cut a good deal to fit time limits, follows the main thread of the story with fidelity and truth, and in the hands of a very notable cast its poignancy penetrates and stings. Norma Shearer, who has given the screen some vita) characterisations, is touchingly beautiful and expressive as the ill-starred Juliet, being perhaps particularly convincing in the more tragic episodes, notably the drug-taking scene, and finally in the scene in the .tomb, where she discovers her husband dead for very love. There is no questioning the deep sincerity and naturalness of Leslie Howard's Romeo. • Somehow or other he does not suggest the sudden impetuous nature of Romeo, but rather a nuict contemplative student of life upon whom all these hasty and violent actions are thrust. Outstanding is the performance of John Barrymore as the whimsical Mercutio, and other excellent performances are those of the nurse of Edna May Oliver, who packs the role with shrewd humour; the Canulet of Aubrey Smith; and the fiery Tybalt of Basil Rathbone. What the public will thrill to is the magnificence of the mounting, the costumes, the grouping, and the pageantry. The garden scene is fraught with beauty; the ball in the house of Canulet one of onulent splendour, while the cortege of Juliet with the chanting priests and acoloytes makes a striking picture difficult to forget. “Rose Marie.” “Rose Marie" will begin its Wellington season at the Majestic Theatre next Friday.