MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 12

MAJESTIC

“WHISPERING WIRES” Occasionally a picture comes along which is off the beaten path. A picture that one is inclined to talk of long after seeing. Such an one is “The Return of Peter Grimm,” presented at the Majestic Theatre.' * Fox Films deserves high praise for the screen version of David Belasco’s great drama. Alec B. Francis plays Peter Grimm magnificently. He has never before done anything which attempts to match his performance in this great story. “The Return of Peter Grimm” deals with life’s great question—can the dead commune with the living? The play did not attempt to answer this question. Neither does the picture. But the great problem is presented in vivid fashion and the spectator is permitted to draw his or her own conclusion. Some of the most dramatic scenes ever recorded by the motion picture camera are incorporated into the final sequences when the kindly old Peter Grimm returns in the spirit and observes a situation which greatly distresses him. The scenes between Peter and the little boy, who had been mysteriously left on Peter’s doorstep and

raised under the kindly care of the central character, are touching in the extreme. Richard Walling and Janet Gaynor have the leading romantic roles, and both are delightful. John Roche plays the villain to perfection. A bundle of new songs, and new comedy stunts are presented by the Majestic Quartette, Messrs. McElwain, Ripley, Thomas and Richards, and the a distinctly novel stage setting. Two clever soprano, Miss Alma McGrew, in special numbers which brought loud applause, were played by the Majestic All Soloists’ Orchestra', “Raymond.” the overture, and a musical interlude, “Hi Diddle Diddle,” with vocal refrain in splendid style. In addition there were an Aesop fable cartoon comedy, “Walrus Hunter,” a jazz version of a story by O’Henry, “Marry Month of May,” Eve’s Review, and Majestic News.