MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 47, 25 February 1933, Page 8

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A lonely-house on a hill is the scene of two mysterious murders, an attempted murder, and a death from natural causes in tho thrilling picture "Tho Phantom of Crestwood " shown at the Majestic Theatre yesterday for the first time. Against a background of rumbling thunder and vivid lightning is enacted a tragedy In. which a beautiful but heartless female blackmailer is done to death by a feathered dart; her unsophisticated younger sister is wouuded in the shoulder; a mysterious elderly visitor drops dead after a sensational revelation of his identity; and the dead woman's maid-is found murdered In an underground passage. Suspicion fastens on every character present—for each has a good reason for disposing of the soulless eocottel Into this setting comes a suave crook seeking letters for a friend, and with his henchmen he solves the mystery, but not before the audience has been rendered breathless with suspense and has made wild guesses -as to the identity of die murderer. A - mask floating In. midair has quite a logical explanation, but It has Its effect In weird fashion. Seldom, has a picture held attention as does this murder mystery thriller. Its provocative theme is unusual, and it has attracted world-wide interest on account of its treatment. The "retrospective" scenes are among, the sensational clues leading to the solution of the triple tragedy. Karen Morley, as the blackmailing cocotte, has a • dramatic role, and her sister is played by Anita Louise, while Bicardo Cortez as the suave crook has never done better work. H. B. Wwnor, Pauline Frederick, Alleen Pringle, Mary Duncan, "Skeets" Gallagher," Ivan Simpson, Matty Kemp (a new juvenile star), Sam Hardy, and Milda Vaughan all play important parts and help "to maintain the mystery to the last gasp. Thq • supporting pictures include interesting views, of the fourth cricket Test, with Larwood bowling-,and Bradman batting, and Paynter and other'membors of the teams In',action; a laughable burlesque by Charles Bay; Aileen IPrlngle and Alan Mowbray on old-time melodrama" ; a travel Tsqena of Japan, showing the Japanese at play; and a' fable cartoon. The programme can be- thoroughly recommended for genuine entertainment. "''. ' ST. JAMES THEATRE. V Walter Huston has a., convincing- part as the central figure In "Gold Fever," the Columbia picture which heads the new bill at the St. James Theatre. He appears as the president of a great American bank who has built up the institution by means of faith in human nature and his judgment of character, which, he regards as the best security a bank can have. Into the role he infuses dynamic force which holds the interest throughout the picture. At the outset he is confronted with the possibility, urged upon him by his directors,: of merging with another bank in order to' consolidate his own position, but he holds the view that in time of depression the bank should give its customers all possible latitude, and there are stormy scenes when he opposes the directors' wishes. At the same time the cashier is being involved in a gambling escapade which places him in the power of gangsters, and a thrilling bank robbery follows in' which the nightwatchman is murdered. Suspicion falls upon another bank employee whose' lips are sealed because of an indiscretion, committed by the president's wife, and the action: moves fast to a sensational climax. News, of the robbery quickly spreads and there is a run on the bank, the picture showing a surging, panic-stricken crowd besieging the bank. Then the president's kindliness and shrewd Judgment bring their reward, for the men he has helped rally to his assistance, and the danger of ruin Is averted. Constance Cummins, Kay Johnson, Pat O'Brien, and Gavin Gordon are prominent members of an exceptionally strong supporting cast. The .other attractions on the programme include close-up views of play In the fourth cricket Test between. Australia and England, showing Larwood's deadly bowling on the leg side of the batsmen, and glimpses of many of the. famous run-getters In action. Well-known wrestling stars are seen in & remarkable series of bouts, and among the other supports is a delightful comedy. - . • THE GAIETIES OF 1933. Fred. Bluett and Amy Rochelle are returnIng to Wellington on Monday, March 6, with tho talented English and Australian musical comedy company, "The Gaieties of 1933," whose long seasons recently at Christchurch and Dunedln have been so successful. Fred, can tell many interesting stories of vaudeville In the bygone days, when the world's greatest stars were brought to Australia and New Zealand. Even In the company of the best of the imported comedians Bluett was an outstanding personality, and his work lately in bis Sydney and Melbourne productions shows that he has still, the power of - bringing the house down with his spontaneous wit and clever fooling. Any Rochelle has teen In New Zealand more recently as principal boy In J.C.W.'s "House That Jack Built" pantomime, her excellent soprano voice and clever character Impersonations being much admired. In the opening production, "A Brighter 1933," she has wonderful opportunities in the many delightful song scenas and snappy sketches, and In addition her child impersonations are unique. .Musicians will *be charmed -with the brilliant playing of Sens Elch. Australia's greatest violinist, or:whom Erica Morini, a violinist of the Krelsler class, said: "Miss, Blch, you have all the attributes of a world's artlst/f Variety is added by the thrilling act of the Hying Wartons, marvellous Continental aerlallsta. Others In the largo cast are the Genettes, simultaneous dancers ;> Perie and Bonzo, comedy tumblers; the Superb Sis, Incomparable dancers; Nancy Whitty, platinum blonde; Adle Collings, soubrette; Wally Reynolds, English comedian; Syd. Wheeler, character comedian; Cherrie Armstrong, danseuse; Robert Raymond, baritone; and the Ten Russian Acrobatic Marvels. Magnificent dressing designed by Mile. Bertlni, elaborate staging; and an up-to-the-minute orchestra are features of A Brighter • 1933." Seats may be-reserved without extra charge at the Bristol. ■ BRITANNIA THEATRE. Based on the strange story by the celebrated English author, J. B. Priestley, "The Old Dark House,". now being screened at the Britannia Theatre, tells tho story of storm-driven travellers who ■ seek a night's lodgine In: a bleak, forbidding old house in the Welsh/mountains, only to discover its inhabitants are. dangerously Insane and under the spell of :a malignant .giant servant. A series of terrifying .events occur which give this picture an absolutely unequalled dramatic punch. . . ; SHORTT'S THEATBE." ' "Tha: Viking," a picture; story based on tho lives of the Newfoundland and Labrador seal hunters; with an Intensely human love story as its theme, is the principal attraction at , Shortt's 'Theatre. Louise Hunt* Ingdon and Charles Starrett, two well-known Broadway artists, have the chief roles. During the filming of the picture, the producer, Varick Frissell, and twenty-five others lost their lives In an explosion. "Sailor's Holiday," a new Pathe comedy featuring Alan Hale and Sally Eilers, is the second picture on the programme. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ■iKMiidne <vi the Bright Side," which, opens tonight at. the Kilblrnle Klnema, was specially written for. Grade Fields, and this sparkling musicalv comedy, studded with gems of British humour, .burnished; with romantic song numbers, is indeed; a happiness picture;,- The story vi Is .; simple, .and ihuman..'.'. :,The supports include & special film of Don Madman In "Raw I Play Cricket." CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. At the,- Capitol Theatre this evening ' • the British cbmedy, "Tilly of Bloomsbury," Is to be shown. It is the screen version of lan Hay's popular book, "Happy-go-Lucky," featuring Phyllis Konstam and Sydney Howard, the sad-faced comedians" of" "Splinters" fame. The supports include the mystery drama, "Murder at Covent Garden," and also a Silly Symphony cartoon. ■ . ROYAL, ROLLER RINK. ' A special late session is advertised to be held ,at the Royal Roller Binky. Vivian Street, this evening. Special ekating music is supplied by the Strollers Dance Band, and.the programme Includes gliding 'couples, two-step -couples, d'Alberts, and the popular Monte Carlo competition. - \., . i RITZ SUNDAY CONCERT. s Some of Wellington's best concert talent will be heard at the Eitz, Ltd., on Sunday night, when leading vocalists and instrumentalists will entertain patrons. The principal- performers will be Boss Floyd and his band, featuring such popular'successes as' "Biver Stay Away from My Door," "There's a Good Time Coming," "Barnacle Bill," and others. The vocalists will be Samuel Duncan, a lyric tenor, singing "Somewhere a Voice is Calling,", and Miss Gretta-.Start, soprano.. Mr. Will Bishop' will entertain at .-the - piano with *'A Fishing Story,".and items will also be given by Herbert Burton^ on • the Stelnway grand, Ross Floyd, saxophonist, and Tommy' Hughes, trombonist. . . .