MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 407, 16 July 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“SADIE THOMPSON” A more popular and more delightful programme than that being presented at tlie Majestic Theatre would be hard to find, for not only is there the usual pictorial offering and a beautiful musical programme being presented by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra, but there is one of the most scintillating stage attractions ever presented in the history of this theatre. Heading the pictorial programme is “Sadie Thompson,” from W. Somerset Maugham’s sensational play, “Rain,” with Gloria Swanson as the notorious “Sadie,” the peril of the South Seas. Lionel Barrymore appears in the film as Alfred Atkinson, a self-appointed and officious reformer. Dr. and Mrs. McPhail are played, respectively, by Charles Lane and Florence Midgley. James Marcus, Will Stanton and Sophia Artega are also in the cast. “Sadie Thompson” is the narrative of an intolerant individual’s insistent projection of his dominant personality into the pitifully weak and feminine existence of an outcast girl who is trying to “live and let live.” Maugham’s classic is a drama of tolerance, a colourful. romantic, throbbing story of human souls in conflict. Greatest of all Maugham’s literary creations is “Miss Thompson,” the gaudily-dressed lady who flaunts a parasol and tilts a high-hat feather at a Marine as readily as she flares into stinging resentment at self-appointed intruders into lives of others. Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra must be complimented on the beautiful musical programme presented. Taste and discrimination have been exercised in the choosing of the musical numbers for the entertainment. Among the many musical gems given throughout the evening are “Angelus” (Matt), “Andante from Symphony No. I” (Schuman), “Cloister Meditations’’’ (Spialek), “Scherzando from Symphony in F Major” (Beethoven), an exceptionally beautiful number, “The Lady of the Rose Waltz,” the ballet music from “William Tell,” and “Adagio from No. I Symphony” (Schubert). Mildred and Connie Harris, the two melody girls, star in a potpourri of song and instrumental music. They provide a bright, colourful act, with variety as its keynote. Vivacious and pretty, they have that intangible something that wins them the affection and admiration of the entire audience as soon as they step before the footlights.

Heading the list of supporting pictorial attractions is “By Killarney’s Lakes and -Fells,” the most beautiful Irish scenic gem every presented. Throughout the screening of this delightful glimpse of the “Auld Sod,” the Majestic Orchesra plays that old favourite, “Killarney.”