“LADY OF THE NIGHT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 16

“LADY OF THE NIGHT”

NOTABLE MAJESTIC FILM LUPE VELEZ AND WM. BOYD Intrigue in diplomatic circles and the schemings of political factions invariably exercise a compelling interest to the onlooker, particularly if woven into attractive story form. Such is the basis of “Lady of the Night,” the D. W. Griffith masterpiece now heading the bill at the Majestic Theatre. Sound synchronised, the film by United Artists scored a notable success in its initial screening before a crowded house lust evening. The response of the audience assures a successful run and the pleasurable comment heard afterward in the foyer brands the picture a wise selection by the management. in his apportionment of the title role to Lupe Velez, the brilliant little Mexican star, Griffith could not have made a more fitting choice. Her acting is infused with a restrained blend of the comedienne with the tragic actress and those who have followed her rapid rise to fame agree that, in her latest picture, she gives the most convincing performance of her career. "• As the spirited .and beautiful little dancer in the Cabaret du Ohien Qui Fume, an underworld dive of old Paris, she is as equally charming as in the part of the innocent foil in high society of a plotting woman who ensnares her into marriage with a young military attache to the Prussian Embassy in the time of Napoleon the Third. Miss Velez is cast with others who are able'to support her with distinction. As Count Kuril von Arinin, the attache, William Boyd is seen in a part that is virtually new to him. yet the glittering uniform of liis office loses nothing of the reputation he has achieved in industrial films as a man’s man. His acting is dignified and unru filed and lie has ably caught the spirit of the time. Jetta Gouda 1 is introduced as the Countess Diane dcs Granges who, rejected by Karl because of her unfaithfulness, plans his humiliation and downfall by arranging for his marriage with a street woman. How she goes about her design by sending her lieutenant into the slums and how a great miscalculation brings not misery but happiness to Karl, makes as delightful a story as any transferred to the screen. Franklin Pangborn as an effeminate instructor In etiquette is responsible for a sparkling humour scene. The singing is very good and the theme song specially composed by Irving Berlin will make its own success in this city. George Robey, the famous English comedian, gives a bright sketch, “The Barrister,” in one of several short talking pictures. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister of Great Britain, speaks through Fox Movietone News, and an item of unusual interest is presented in the appearance of The Moscow Art Singers in “Russian Wedding Celebration.” Majestic patrons will be glad to learn that Mr. J. Whiteford-Waugh, who for so long has given them music at its best, lias not been lost to them. He now leads the Majestic Octette which will appear each evening in a series of pleasing instrumental numbers He plays very tastefully a violin solo, “The Swan,” by Saint-Saens.

ARTILLERY BAND CONCERT TOWN HALL, NEXT THURSDAY A grand variety concert in aid of the Auckland Artillery Band social fund will be tendered by Auckland’s leading artists in the Town Hall on Thursday evening next. In addition to a. number of special band selections, the following artists will appear:—Mrs. V. Penny, Miss D. Youd, Miss Nini Scott and Messrs. Len Barnes, baritone, Itonald Muston, violin, and Mr. E. McKnight, concertHumour will be provided by Mr. Alan McElwain and Mr. Tlex Yates, a pianoforte solo by Mr. Wynne Smith, conductor of the band, and a cornet duet, “Besses of the Barn,” played by two bandsmen. “The New Zealand Four” will sing a quartet. ROMANTIC CAREER!

Lance Fairfax, Soldier and “Sheik” One of the most picturesque characters ever presented in a musical production is “The Red Shadow,” who dominates “The Desert Song - ,” the J. C. Williamson attraction shortly to be seen in New Zealand. This role is played by Lance Fairfax, whose rise from chorus to leading: parts has been meteroic. Perhaps Mr. Fairfax obtains some of his verve and stage confidence from his early military experience. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, he served with the artillery, and when only 17 secured a commission. At 20 he was a company commander. During the war he was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Plaig. At Buckingham Palace he was personally decorated by the King. After his service at the war, Lance Fairfax studied singing in London. Rosina Buckman brought him to Sir Thomas Beecliam, who was very favourably impressed with this young singer. Had Mr. Fairfax remained, he might have been an opera artist. Apropos his romantic role in “The Desert Song.” Mr. Fairfax, in an article in the “Sunday Sun,” said: “Placing a sheik has taught me that this type of he-man is a universal favourite in women's hearts. In him they will see the perfect knight. “Whether we know it or not, we are all out for sympathy and understanding. Love is the surest touchstone to both. We are all after it. Rvery woman is a Diana, hot on the chase of romance. The most practical, the most blase, the most modern of them, have a hidden altar in their hearts erected to the Great God Man. In corresponding fashion, there is an altar set up in eve.rv decent man’s heart to the One Woman —when it pleases her to make her appearance.” Lance Fairfax, who is the “Red Shadow” in “The Desert Song,” now in Sydney, is one of a family of seven, which comprised a whole concert party in themselves, and won many competitions in New Zealand for solo work, duets, and part-singing.