MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 17

MAJESTIC

“THE EXPLOITS OF THE EMDEN” A great deal of controversy has raged over the great naval battle between the German raider Emden and H.M.A.S. Sydney oft the Cocos Islands. From collected data a German company made this epic struggle into a motion picture, which is now at the Majestic Theatre, and much credit must be given them for the fairness in which they told this epic story of a stirring encounter. Further interest was added, however, when First National decided to reenact the Sydney’s side of the engagement, using the Sydney herself, the cruiser being in home waters at the time. The Australian Naval Hoard offered every facility for the filming of this unique incident, and the result is that the production is more powerful and interesting than ever. H.M.A.S. Sydney, fully manned, with destroyers, was loaned to the company, and the actual crews supplied the cast, proving more efficient and natural than any hired “supers.” “The Exploits of the Emden” is decidedly an outstanding and interesting achievement. The Sydney “Morning Herald” said of this picture: “The fact of the Germans and Australians presenting each their own side of the story has ensured perfect fairness and impartiality. The chivalry and sportsmanship of the Germans is fully recognised, just as is the heroism of the men of the Sydney. There is no caricaturing of Von Muller and his officers as melodramatic villains. Human interest in the way of humour and of individual reaction to various situations has been brought in skilfully. “Troublesome Wives,” which will also be shown, is one of the snappiest comedies of married life ever seen on the screen. A matrimonial mix-up, the picture is crammed with thrilling airplane scenes and hilarious ipomenta. Mabel Poulton is the most fascinating wife that ever signed the register. PAT HANNA’S “DIGGERS” AT ST. JAMES TOMORROW | Aptly titled “the Big Laugh Show,” the entertainment which Pat Hanna and the Diggers will present at the St. James Theatre from tomorrow, is calculated to drive away dull care. All the items have been carefully chosen, and they are presented in a snappy manner. The whole show moves with a swing, and the comedy of Pat Hanna and Joe Valli is the outstanding feature. The ballet work is also good. “The Diggers” Company, which has been entertaining and delighting both the Australians and the New Zealanders for some years now, has developed a technique and style of its own. War-time stories and sketches are revived, usually in a humorous vein, but there is always a generous leavening of songs, revue dances and humorous scenes. The company has two outstanding entertainers in Pat Hanna and Joe Valli, who are well backed up by Stan | Lawson and Ernest Kopke. The lastnamed is the possessor of a very fine voice and never fails to delight hearers with his selection of songs. Others in the company are Iza Crossley, who sings and does character work in the sketches, also Adele Taylor, Norman Scurr, Norman French, Chris Kilner and Jock Thomson. There is only one Colleen Moore upon the screen. Charming, girlish. and with a natural unforced vivacity, that is so gorgeously refreshing after the influx of “It” girls and sinuous vamps, who have invaded the path of the silver sheet. Only Colleen Moore, too, should have so delightfully interpreted the role of the little French girl in "Love Never Dies.” Gary Cooper, her lover, is certainly convincing as the hero, and makes a splendid foil to the quaintness and mischievous attraction of “Jeanine.” “Love Never Dies.” described as the

“greatest aerial epic of the age,” features some breath-taking aerial sequences, and is altogether outstanding lin its magnificence and appeal.