THE MAYFAIR THEATRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 14

THE MAYFAIR THEATRE

" PAG LI ACCI " TO BE SHOWN A British film ot outstanding: merit, "Pagliacci," has boon selected for the opening production to-morrow at the May fair Theatre, formerly known as the National, which has been entirely refurnished and redecorated since it was closed last week. "Pagliacci," in which the brilliant German tenor Richard Tauber has the leading role, is a successful adaptation of Leoncavallo's famous opera, which is known by reputation at least to music-lovers throughout the world. Much of the, credit for the success of the picture must go to the director, Karl Grune, who, by his masterly handling, has compromised in a way that is entirely satisfactory not only to lovers of true opera, but also to all iilnigocrs who wish for an entertaining programme.' In addition to tlie singing, which is a feature of Leoncavallo's opera, the dramatic parts of the story have been cleverly accentuated, in order to deepen the interest. The setting of the opening scenes is in an Italian travelling theatre, owned by the goodnatured Cttilio, who is also the chief actor. His wife, 'Nedda, acts with him in the comedies produced by the troupe, and, being very pretty and of a flirtatious disposition, she causes her loving but jealous husband some anxious moments. Frorf) this point the plot rapidly develops in intensity. A young officer, Silvio, joins the company on its progress through the countryside, is obviously attracted by Nedda, and gradually' awakens suspicion in the mind of her husband. Although he is slow to accept grounds for suspicion, when ho finally realises the truth, he is reduced to a frenz.v of rage and hatred. Just at this stage, by tragic irony, tlie two principals of >tho drama are brought on to enact thoir famous comedy, "Columbine and Her Lover,'' or ".Punchinello's Revenge." This is the climax of the whole film, and reveals Tauber as a master of dramatic singing and acting in one of the best performances ever given by him on the screen. The closing scenes, which are filmed in colour, emphasise the poignant beauty of the final moments of the tragedy. Excellent supoort is provided bv the acting of Stefli Duna, Diana Napier and Esmond Knight, wliile the entire film reflects the greatest credit on the producer, Max Schnch. for one of Britain's most beautiful pictures.