MAJESTIC THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 16

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“A Yank At Oxford” Replete with action, laughs and line characterisations, “A Yank at Oxford,” which is continuing for a third week at the Majestic Theatre, offers Robert Taylor his most convincing role to date and more than repays Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for the time and effort spent in producing in England pictures equal in calibre to any made in' Hollywood. This is the studio’s first British-made production. In fact, the authenticity of the background and atmosphere of the picture proves that only in a British setting could it have been so successfully evolved. In presenting Taylor in the title role as the cocky, all-star athlete who comes to Oxford to “teach the native” and himself learns much in return, “A Yank at Oxford” affords the star his greatest opportunity to demonstrate his athletic ability, his flair for comedy, and his ability to handle genuinely dramatic scenes. Lionel Barrymore. as Taylor’s father, and Maureen O’Sullivan, as the English undergraduate whom the hero meets at Oxford, lend their accustomed polished performances, while in the British players who also have leading roles audiences may note at least two potential stellar “finds” of to-mor-row. Vivien Leigh, as the “other girl,” reveals a flashing yet subtle personality, and Griffith Jones looms as a most personable leading man discovery, stalwart in apnearance and sensitive in his performance. “Test Pilot.” Acclaimed as the most authentic aviation story ever filmed, “Test Pilot,” starring Clark Gable, Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy, is a coining attraction at the Majestic Theatre. Based on an original story by Lieutenant-Commander Frank Wead. the story is steeped in colourful traditions of the men who are building the future of aviation, test pilots who try new ships before they are approved. Thrilling flying sequences, filmed with nine ground cameras and nine aerial cameras, provide the background for a new type of triangle. Clark Gable, in the title role, is divided between, his love for Myrna Loy and his love of flying. The conflict between his wife and his job is the basis of a plot which incorporates scenes from air. races, testing of new planes, riotous night club sequences and touching romantic scenes between Gable and Miss Loy. Victor Fleming and Louis D. Lighten, director and producer respectively of “Captains Courageous.” were reunited in making Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s first aviation picture for more tlian two years. Paul Maptz, co-pilot and navigator with Amelia Earhart, served as technical adviser on the picture. Tie was assisted by Ray Moore, a prominent racing flyer.