THRILLS AND LAUGHTER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 508, 10 November 1928, Page 15

THRILLS AND LAUGHTER

“DETECTIVES” AT THE MAJESTIC A glance at recent programmes is sufficient to prove the present demand for motion picture “thrillers.” Similarly it is indicative of public taste for feature-length comedy. Obviously, therefore, a combination of the two hits the nail of public approval neatly on the head. “Detectives” presents a mixture of thrills and comedy in just the right proportions. Supported by a programme of quite unsual merit, it was screened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. The collaborating stars— Karl Dane and' George K. Arthur—made good long ago, but it is safe to predict that they will be remembered by this film. There is nothing hackneyed about “Detectives”; nothing over-exploited or drawn out. The story is brisk and crisply novel, while the ingredients are so deftly mixed that laughs end in delighted but startled gasps and squeaks of fear change to roars of mirth. The picture shows that a ghoulish mystery house, cobwebs, and uncanny noises are still necessary in the construction of a “thriller.” Many of the sequences, however, take place in a smart hotel, the guests of which include a mysterious professor whose rooms are adorned with mummy cases and a litter of equally-cheerful furnishings. Of course, the bustling individuals who supply excuse for the title of the picture are Messrs. Dane and Arthur. While in the employ of the hotel management they fall in love with a stenographer who is as pretty as Marceline Day knows how to be. A jewel robbery is committed and Lois the stenographer promises to marry the bell-boy if he can beat the detectives in catching the thief. From there the action plunges off at high speed, enlivened by nightmare happenings and screamingly funny situations. An intriguing element of mystery is introduced. The charming heroine of “The Big City” and “A Certain Young Man” is kidnapped and locked in a mummy case; a man disappears and is found in the professor’s room after one of the detectives has-^—but too much should not be told. The direction, photography and general mounting of “Detectives” are worthy of the stars and the occasion, while each scene has been compressed and trimmed to such high speed that a full hour skims by unnoticed. The Majestic supporting programme has been selected with scrupulous care and the films preceding “Detectives” are worthy of punctual attendance. Comedy, news, education and good music—everything has its place and is adequately represented. In honour of Schubert’s centenary, Mr. Whiteford Waugh has selected a delightful musical programme. The majority of the special numbers are from “Lilac Time” and the playing last evening was delightful. Tho up-to-the-minute news reel includes views of the Porto Rico hurricane, and a budget of other prominent subjects. The two-reel comedy of the evening was the latest starring that cheerful old gnome of mirth—Max Davidson. It was one of his best to date and provided a most suitable overture to the big picture. Last, but by no means least, a beautiful educational film showing mountain and lake scenery in colours.