MAJESTIC THEATRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20587, 28 November 1936, Page 18 (Supplement)

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“HEARTS DIVIDED” Never has the beautiful star, Marion Davies, appeared in a more entertaining and gripping romance than in her latest production, “Hearts Divided,” which commences at the Majestic to-day. This story -of the wooing and winning of the brilliant and beautiful Betsy Patterson of Baltimore by Captain Jerome Bonaparte, brother of the French emperor, is a real heart throbbing drama. The picture is a lavish one, with mammoth sets and colourful backgrounds, while the women are costumed in the gorgeous Empire gowns of the period. Picturesque scenes take place in the Patterson mansion and estate and in the palace of the Emperor of France. Powell, who also played opposite Miss Davies in “Page Miss Glory.” is highly amusing as well as romantic in his role of the carefree Jerome,, who goes about making love in disguise. He not only does some capable acting, but his voice seems more pleasing than ever in the catchy songs that he sings in English and French. Claude Rains does some exceptionally fine acting in the role of Napoleon Bonaparte. Never does he over-emphasise the traditional mannerisms of the Little Corporal, nor resort to the trite gestures with which the emperor was credited. Rains’ lack of posing makes the character seem natural and human. Charlie Ruggles, Edward Everett Horton and Arthur Treacher add some fine comedy touches in their roles of three indefatigable suitors of the beautiful Betsy,, who mocks them and laughs at them and loves them as the kindly, blundering, elderly men that they are. Excellent Supports are advertised and the usual Saturday Matinee takes place at 2.15.