AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19986, 19 December 1934, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

THE MAJESTIC “THE GREAT DEFENDER" In the realms of fiction one will find no more stirring, no more powerful drama than “The Great Defender,” the sensational story of unrequited love and the law courts which opens at the Majestic to-day. It is genuinely exciting screen entertainment, cleverly directed by Thomas Bentley, and brilliantly acted by Britain’s greatest dramatic star Matheson Lang in the title role. Lang, as Sir Douglas Rolls, K.C., “The Great Defender,” they called him, fighting the biggest case of his brilliant career—fighting against the tremendous odds of strong circumstantial evidence for the life of a man —an artist, charged with the murder of his beautiful model. Supporting Matheson Lang are such distinguished artists as Margaret Bannerman, Richard Bird, Arthur Margetson. Jeanne Stuart, Jimmy Godden, and Hal Gordon. “Blossom Time” Perhaps no greater recommendation for the outstanding entertainment delights of “Blossom Time,” magnificently produced musical romance of Franz Schubert, starring Richard Tauber, which will be shown at the Majestic on Friday, could be found than in the veritable avalanche of praise lavished on the film bv the entire English press. Contrary to their usual policy of holding up reviews until the West End screening, a number of enthusiastic lay press critics regarded “Blossom Time” of such importance that they came out right away with their reports. Writing in the “Sunday Pictorial,” Walter Webster said: “I award four beautiful stars to ‘Blossom Time.’ which is the finest talking picture yet made by British International Pictures. The production of any superlative British film at this time when our studios are suffering from just a little too much self-satisfaction, is an event of real importance. The first time Richard Tauber sings you do not think ‘I wish they would get on with the story’; you think, ‘that was grand. I hope he will sing again and soon.’ But no amount of marvellous singing could make a four-star entertainment without the charming story, the lovely settings, the generally splendid cast and the magic with which Paul Stein has welded all these elements into one of the smoothest and most delicious talking pictures it is possible to imagine. Yet you should look out for it. and make a point of seeing it.” Will Foss, in the “Morning Post”: “Its production marks yet another milestone in the development of British films. Not only is this the best film which has come out of Elstree for a long, long time, it is also sure to be a great success.” THE REGENT “ROMANCE IN THE RAIN” One of the most brilliant motion picture scenes ever filmed is to be seen in “Romance in the Rain.” a romantic comedy of a modern Cinderella, which opens at the Regent to-day. The role of Cinderella is portrayed by Heather Angel, beautiful young English actress, who is featured with Roger Pryor. This picture is not the legendary story of Cinderella, but that of a modern Cinderella, the product of the popularity contest and radio age. whose experiences paraphrase those of her predecessors. Much comedy and romantic interest is supplied by Pryor and Miss Angel, aided by the splendid trouper, Victor Moore. Esther Ralston, Ruth Donnelly and others. Climaxing an unending series of fast-moving and amazing situations is a public radio wedding staged in one of the largest stadiums of the country during a nationally famous football game.

Stuart Walker, the director, has exercised some noteworthy features in this picture, carrying the story through all four seasons of the year.