MAJESTIC THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11327, 3 October 1930, Page 6

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THE AMERICAN PRISONER”

Carl Brisson, the famous British actor, scores an outstanding success at the -Majestic Theatre, where he is featured in “The American Prisoner”. The story concerns the historic Dartmoor Prison, in the_days ot (.he Napoleonic Wars of 1810. Madeleine Carroll is seen- opposite Brisson. In addition an excellent supporting programme 'includes Harry ■ Langdon comedy ' The Big Kick” Motrotone Neyvs, and Vyette Rugel, opei atic soprano. • “CASE OF SERGEANT TIRTSCMM’ ANI) 1 children of pleasURE” TO-AIORROW To-morrow commencing at the matinee a double feature all-talking pro gramme beaded by “The Case of sergeant Grisclia” and “Children ot Pleasure” will he presented. Grim tragedy, unrelieved by humor, is the dominant note of ' ihe Case of Sergeant Grisclia ’. The plot, which lias been adapted from tne well-known novel by Arnold Zweig, tells the simple, tragic story of an escaped Russian sodier, liis desperate bid for liberty, and Ins death at I the hands of a German firing-squad. “The Case of Sergeant Gnscha deals with ilie futility and the cruelly of war, but it makes no attempts to oxloit its horrors and its-obscen-ities. There is not the faintest suggestion of melodrama or of sensationalism. It is a - definite contribution to peace propaganda, and it is also dramatic art at its finest-. Ctioster Alorris gives an admirablo characterisation of the simple-hearted, Sergeant Grischa, and he is supported by Betty Compson, Leyland Hodgson and Jean Hersholt. Singing and dancing play an important part, in /‘Children of Pleasure, the second feature. Among those who will contribute to the. production are Lawrence Gray, Wynne Gibsou, nnd Helen John -Johnson. The story concerns the - romance - of a Broadway song writer with', the daughter of .a millionaire and revolves about the conflict between the two classes. The settings are laid m the homes of society, in. Broadway music publishing offices on vaudeville stages, and in night clubs, and are said to have been constructed without regard for expense. Early reservation of seats at Tattorsall and Bnyly’s is advisable.