MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 443, 27 August 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“A THIEF IN THE DARK” A programme that bids fair to be one of the most popular presented for some weeks is now being offered at the Majestic Theatre. Mystery, drama, comedy, interesting news films, and beautiful music by Mr. Whiteford Waugh and his Majestic Orchestra, all go to make up a notable programme. The most important feature on the attractive bill of picture fare is “A Thief in the Dark,” -which one critic has declared to be one of the most thrilling mystery pictures ever screened. The story is from the pens of Albert Ray, who directed the film, and Kenneth Hawks, Fox supervisor, and i they paint a vivid picture of a gang of side-show crooks which attempts to steal a fortune in jewels from an eccentric old recluse and his pretty grand-daughter. The crooks do not succeed in this undertaking and their leader, after murdering the old jewel-collector, pays the penalty in the most novel manner ever brought to the screen. “The Finishing Touch/’ another of those irresistible Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy comedies, is a big attraction on the supporting programme. “The Finishing Touch” deals with the efforts of two dull contractel's to complete a half-finished residence in record time. They have endless grief, from which they emerge with astonishing fortitude, to receive another set-back immediately, and they little dream of the terrible catastrophe which is in store for them. An interesting and well-selected Majestic News is also screened. Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra again demonstrates Its artistry in the interpretation of “Ruy Bias,” one of Mendelssohn's famous compositions. Other gems included in the delightful programme are “Goodnight, Sweet Lady” (latest fox-trot), “Miranda,” a clarinet solo by Mr. J. McGregor, “Paradise is Mine,” a trombone solo by Mr. Syd. Sly, a Xautical overture, “Britannia,” and “Dance of the Gnomes” (Ilynsky). At the afternoon matinees another | gorgeous and spectacular pantomime is presented. So great a success last week was “Cinderella” that Miss Lillian O’Leary is presenting her 50 talented kiddies in another production entitled “Cinderella’s Honeymoon.’’ The production abounds with humour, catchy songs and beautiful dancing. The opening scene is particularly beautiful and cries of delight were heard at the sight of the wedding of Cinderella and her Prince Charming. Then this charming couple set out on their honeymoon and took the audience to Jazzland, where a bevy of maidens entertained all with latest songs and dances, to Spain, and thence to Lotus Land.

A full supporting programme is screened. As a special holiday treat, an interesting film, “A Trip to tho Auckland Zoo,” is presented. A screamingly funny comedy, "The Finishing Touch,” a cartoon, the Majestic News, and A Thief in the X>ark,” are also presented.