DE LUXE THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume 105, Issue 4, 6 January 1928, Page 12

DE LUXE THEATRE.

For the first time in the history of the Dc Luxe Theatre since the opening season a motion picture has won tho distinction, of being retained for a second week. Tho honour belongs to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's epic, "BenHur." The final six days start this afternoon. "Bcn-Hur" will bo shown twice dally at 2.30 and at S p.m. Incidentally the fourth week of the Auckland season commences tonight. The management states that 38,071 people havo already seen it there, and over 20,000 in Wellington. Such attendances arc unprecedented, but the picture quite evidently attracts people from every walk of life. The Reverend Jasper Caldcr, tho widely-known Auckland clergyman, lias written as follows :—■ "I had an experience to-day that I shall not forget for years. Mrs. Caldcr and I went to see 'Ben-Hur.' As to the picture—well, I've just come in from seeing it, and 1 am still overcome. It is the most inspiring drama I've ever seen. It is staged on a most lavish scale. The sacred scenes aro handled with becoming reverence. One never sees a close-up picture ■of Our Lord. His presence is suggested rather than portrayed, by tho brief glimpse of His hands upraised in healing or blessing. The Chariot Race cannot bo described." The introductory prologue, "The Star of Bethlehem," with Mr. William Goudie as soloist, continues to win warm approval,' and the musical offerings by the orchestra and special numbers on the organ by Mr. Aarons are additional attractions. Box plans for the second week are open at Tho Bristol and at Aitken's, while reservations may also be made over theatre telephone, No. 23-080.