MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

NOVEL SCREEN TESTS Four chic and very charming young ladies busily employed registering tense excitement under apparently no provocation whatsoever at first glance appears rather unusual. It was, however, a game of makebelieve. On a screen suspended over their heads were depicted a number of typical racecourse scenes, and the young ladies —the four leading semifinalists in the Miss New Zealand screen contest —were portraying the emotions and actions of four average young women financially interested in the result of the race. They rose to the occasion as if to the manner born, and the result was decidedly realistic and entertaining. Far from narrowing the issue the appearance at the Majestic Theatre last evening of the four leading semifinalists in a series of novel screen tests, seems* more than ever, to add to the perplexity of the all-absorbing problem as to whom should be accorded the honour of representing the province in the big New' Zealand screen contest. One thing, however, is certain. From among those offering—whoever is finally chosen —a worthy representative should be found. Tall and short, blonde and brunette, the four semi-finalists that appeared to a crowded house last night were all splendid specimens of various types of glorious womanhood. For Miss New' Zealand. 1927, however, or even Miss Auckland, more than mere beauty is required. Brains and personality are the prime requisites as evidenced by the rigorous test to which they were submitted last evening. That they came through with flying colours serves to indicate very strongly that, like the dodo, the old* fallacy that brains and beauty never go together, »s very extinct. A number of “shots” taken of various contestants also proved of great interest. The plot utilised in this connection was not quite so difficult, the prospective screen artists merely being required to discourage the advances of a presumably undesired suitor. Methods varied, but all were effective. , With four pretty little speeches the contestants proffered their thanks for the support already received, at the

same time acknowledging the generous applause that was most impartially bestowed. Heading the picture bill is one of the most interesting films seen in Auckland for some time—the quest of a party of hunters and naturalists, headed by Mr. Ben Burbridge in the wilds of Africa for a live specimen of the gorilla family. In addition to “shots” taken at dangerously close quarters of various animals and reptiles, interesting studies of Batwa pygmies and cannibal tribes in the Congo are also shown. An entertaining comedy, “A Little Journey,” featuring Miss Claire Windsor, and an Auckland yachting film, “White Wings,” and topical gazettes, complete a very interesting and complete programme. In addition to an enjoyable picture accompaniments and overture (“The Merry Widow”), the All Soloists’ Orchestra, under Mr. Mumford, also provides a delightful musical setting for the* screen tests.