MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 521, 26 November 1928, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“HANGMAN’S HOUSE” With the programme now being presented, the Alajestic Theatre admirably maintains its reputation for splendid entertainment. Tile programme opens with a pretty New Zealand scenic of the river Avon in and around Christchurch, followed by the interesting news of the world and a merry comedy by those inimitable comedians, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardie. Hadyn Murray, who is conducting the orchestra during Air. Whiteford Waugh’s holiday, hag chosen for the musical interlude a bright selection of Gilbert and Sullivan airs. Alagnificent settings, excellent direction, fine photography and splendid acting contribute to make “Hangman’s House,” Fox Films’ production directed by John Ford, one of the most intensely interesting photoplays screened by the Alajestic. This story, written by Donn Byrne, is Irish from beginning to end, and boasts one of the finest casts, ever assembled for picture purposes. June Collyer has the leading feminine role opposite Larry Kent, while Victor McLaglen has the featured role of Citizen Hogan. Earle Foxe and Hobart Bosworth also have prominent parts. Ford, the director, has given the screen a finer version of “Hangman’s House” than the .author himself could have hoped to give. His actors live, move and have their being in the weird old house known as the home of “Jimmy the Hangman.” Ford does not tell us of this house and its occupants and visitors. He takes us to Ireland and shows us the modus operandi. We do not get the impression of puppets moving across the sets. Ours is a firsthand version of the real occupants doing real things in dramatic surroundings. It is difficult to say who gets the greater glory—the cast or the director. It is a superb picture, convincingly done and an entertainment that delighted all who saw it.