MAJESTIC THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

TWO FEATURE PROGRAMME The Arctic wastes of 'Alaska provide the virile background for the gripping Columbia picture, “North of Nome, which heads the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. It is a film for people who like their entertainment dramatic, and who do not complain if it makes their heart beat just a bit faster. Thrills it has, and a story that is something new under the sun. Jack Holt, in the starring role, once more proves his acting prowess; his portrayal is strong and intelligent. Evelyn Venable, Guinn “Big Boy” Williams, John Miljan, Roger Imhoff and others bring their respective characters to life in fine fashion, giving splendid assistance to the dependable Holt. Supporting “North of Nome” there is a thrilling mystery drama, “Love Letters of _ a Star.” The film is based on an exciting detective novel by the mystery master, Rufus King. The suspense of the story is brightened by a thread of romance . and deft embroideries of humour. The role of the detective is portrayed with a new screen technique by C. Henry Gordon. The script writers and the director keep the solution of the crime hidden until the last scene in the picture.

STARTING TOMORROW “THREE SMART GIRLS” Dainty Deanna Durbin, a ■ brilliant and altogether charming personality will be introduced to Invercargill audiences tomorrow when Universal’s gay comedy drama, “Three Smart Girls,” starts its run at the Majestic Theatre. Surrounded by a cast of established cinema favourites including Binnie Barnes, Alice Brady, Ray Milland and Charles Winninger, this youthful newcomer to the screen lives up to advance notices of her musical genius. She proves, too, that she is much more than just a singing child prodigy. Possessing exquisite beauty and rare charm, the talented youngster gives a smooth performance. “Three Smart Girls” tells the amusing story of three daughters of a rich New York man who upset their father’s May-December romance with a gold-digging blonde. The title roles are played by little Miss Durbin, Nan Grey and Barbara Read. As the father, Charles Winninger essays a new type of role and turns in a grand performance. Miss Barnes plays the part of the gold-digger and Miss Brady is ideally cast as the blonde’s scheming mother. Mischa Auer is a hit as an impoverished nobleman whom the three youngsters hire to lure the adventuress away from their giddy parent. Ray Milland and John King provide handsome romantic interest as sweethearts of the two elder of the three girls. The remainder of the cast includes Ernest Cossart, Hobart Cavanaugh, Lucille Watson and Nella Walker. Superbly mounted, brilliantly cast, deftly directed and expertly written, “Three Smart Girls” contains all the elements of splendid entertainment. Henry Koster, Hollywood’s newest directorial importation from Europe,

shows a deft, sure hand for comedy. The picture contains notable photography by Joseph Valentine.