MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

A VARIED PROGRAMME The selection by popular vote of Miss Billie Andreasson as Miss Auckland ends the first stage of the quest for Miss New Zealand 1927. At the Majestic Theatre last evening, when the' announcement was formally made by the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, the successful contestant and her maid of honour, Miss Hildred Graham, were received with prolonged applause. With the full lighting effects of the theatre employed on a silver background, a very artistic setting was provided for the ceremony. To Miss Andreasson and Miss Graham, who will shortly leave to represent Auckland in the Southern tests, a most enthusiastic reception was accorded, a liberal measure of applause also being bestowed on Miss Queenie Graham and Miss Billie Sim, who were placed third and fourth respectively.

A powerful mystery play, in which a mad magician seeks to create human life, heads the picture bill. Featuring the beautiful Alice Terry, Ivan Petrovich, and Paul Wegener, “The Mad Magician” contains all the necessary thrills.

The formula for the creation of life demands the living blood of a woman. To obtain this, Oliver Hatldo, a strange student of the occult sciences, endeavours to get Margaret Dauncey, a sculptor, under his hypnotic influence. Despite the endeavours of her lover, Dr. Arthur Burdon, he proves successful. Although the girl is rescued, the influence of the magician is too great, and the girl again returns.

In the sorcerers’ tower he is about to carry out his fiendish operation when the doctor breaks into the room. In a terrific fight that, ensues the magician falls into a furnace, and with his destruction happiness to all concerned is finally assured. The comedy element in a wellbalanced programme is provided with a Fox comedy, “The Battling Kangaroo,” in which two Australian kangaroos are used in conjunction with Tige Conley. An interesting topical gazette, and a New Zealand scenic entitled “The Angler’s Paradise,” completes the picture programme. Added variety was given by the tenor solos, contributed by Mr. John Montfort, of the Humphrey Bishop Company, whose contributions were obviously very much appreciated. Incidental music by the Majestic Orchestra, under Mr. Mumford, left little to be desir^L