MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 841, 9 December 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE GHOST TALKS” Fox Films has produced, many exceptional photoplays, but never one i that combines so many essentials of entertainment as the all-talking Fox Movietone feature length farce comedy, “The Ghost Talks,” which opened at the Majestic Theatre las week. A demonstrative audience at the theatre again on Saturday proved this definitely. The word “audience” is not used carelessly, for “The Ghost Talks” chiefly is ear appeal. The story has not a serious moment to offer. The witty, sparkling dialogue mouthed by dumb detectives, blustering hotel keepers and suave highbinders, together with the unhappy whines and blue songs of a pair of negro honeymooners, who are no less witty, evokes a response unmistakably uproarious. There’s production skill evidenced in this picture, too. The weird blustery exteriors of the haunted house, for instance, are masterpieces of their kind. . The members of the unusually large cast were selected for their vocal abilities as well as their stage presence. Charles Eaton and Helen Twelvetrees (with the delightful lisp) head the cast. They were induced to desert the New York stage for this special assignment. Others include Earle Foxe, Carmel Myers, Joe Brown, Henry Sedley, Clifford Dempsey, Stepin Fetch it (negro), Baby Mack (negro), Arnold Lucy, Bessy Flowers, Dorothy McGowan and Mickey Bennett. Lew' Seiler, veteran Fox Films director, with scores of hilarious comedies to his credit, was entrusted with the filming of this first Fox Movietone feature length farce comedy. In addition to an excellent programme of short talking and singing featurettes, this entertainment will be notable for the appearance of Mr. Whiteford-Waugh's Majestic Stage Band, of individual soloists, playing many new selections and old favourites.