MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 274, 9 February 1928, Page 19

MAJESTIC

TO-MORROW’S PROGRAMME “His Lady,’* the magnificent Warner production of the days of Louis XV., and starring John Barrymore with Dolores Costello, which has been delighting all Majestic patrons, will be screened for the last time this evening. To-morrow at that theatre, commences another monster Majestic programe, headed by “The Road to Romance,” with Ramon Novarro, the famous star of “Ben Hur.” “The Road to Romance” tells of buccaneers in the Caribbean Sea, their island lair, their depredations on peaceful merchantmen, and the island’s corrupt Governor, Don Balthaser, who disputes with the hero for the love of a beautiful girl—a trail of real romance leading across dangerous seas—of adventure, peril, gallantry, manly devotion and tender love. Many thralling incidents are presented with amazingly breath-taking realism. While it might appear difficult to find for Novarro a role that would prove a suitable successor to his immortal appearance in the title role in “Ben Hur” —difficult, if not impossible,-Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer wisely chose the masterpiece of a master author, put in charge a director —John S. Robertson —who is reputed to conceal a wizard’s wand about his person, and the result is simply astonishing. As is usual, an excellent supporting programme will also be screened. Among the many scenes in the Majestic Magazine, are views of “The Roarers,” the Pacific sea-lions, swimming and diving at Blackpool, and the famous Tower of Blackpool, modern buildings at Liverpool, the Rugby Wireless Towers, and last but not least; a little glimpse of “Home”—Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire. Other interesting news items, are those of a woodchopping competition at Sydney, for the tennis enthusiasts, Helen Wills on the courts, floods in New England, Leo, the famous Metra- Gold wyn - May er lion, and a French bull-fight. Last but not least, is a hilarious Comedy, “Love ’em and Feed ’em,” with Max Davidson, the well-known comedian, who for many years starred in Fox comedies. To-morrow, a musical treat is promised Aucklanders, by Mr. Ernest McKinley', New Zealand’s premier tenor, who recently returned from England, America, and the Continent. Mr. McKinley will render the well-known Maori melody, “Waiata Pol” (Alfred Hill), “La Donna Mobile” (Verdi), and “A Fat Li’l Feller” (Gordon). The Majestic Orchestra under Mr Whiteford-Waugh will render a specially selected programme! of musical gems, and will specially feature as their overture, “II Guarany” (Gamez), and include among the incidental music rendered, “Ballet Suite,” Vecsey, “Dance of the Wood Nympths” (Kuzzner), “Serenade Espagnole” (Glazonnow), “Parsifal” (Wagner), “To You” (Czibulka). An attractive number will -be clarinet solo by Mr. J. McGregor, who will render “Romance for Clarinet” (Boccalari).