THE MAJESTIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 92, 18 April 1929, Page 11

THE MAJESTIC

Vivid, unforgettable scenes of martial history joined with a love story of poignant tenderness to make “Two Lovers,” the film which opened at the Alajcstic Theatre last night, a really brilliant farewell appearance for the co-starring team of Ronald Colman and Vihna Banky. “Two Lovers” is an adaptation from the famous Baroness Orczy novel, “Leatherface.” Though this novel and exciting story has been read by many and holds countless enthusiasts in advance, as many —and more—can now thrill to the visual representation of the mysterious leathermasked man who always turned up suddenly to save his lord liege, the Prince of Orange, from being captured by the enemy and letting Flanders go into the hands of the invading Spaniards. Aliss Banky, who grows more entrancing to behold with each picture, appears here appropriately as “the flower of Spain.” As niece of the barbaric, scheming Duke of Adar, she is forced into marriage with Alark A’an Rycke, son of the high bailiff of Ghent. This marriage seems intended to pacify relations between the opposing countries, but its real aim is to provide Lenora (Aliss Banky) facilities for spying. Her forced marriage is made doubly unhappy, soon after, when she learns that her real sweetheart has been murdered by the unknown Leatherfacc. And her embittered spying yields a list of thc names of conspirators who arc plotting to oust the loathed Iberians from their beloved Flanders. How she discovers the identity of Leatherfacc, how she eventually comes to love her husband Alark (Ronald Colman), and how her hands are painfully blistered in the desperate —and successful—effort to give the Flemish their freedom from the Spanish whom she represented; all this is told in a series of colourful and swift-moving and charming passages which would be spoiled for you if they were related here in detail. Enough to say that there is a marked sequence of dramatic and important events, and that the action is never halted fur any extraneous spectacular episodes, thc love, scenes fitting in especially well and with fine restraint. The versatility of Tim AlcCoy was again demonstrated when his latest starring vehicle, “The Adventurer,” was screened. The story revolves round the revenue obtained from the gold mines of the South American Republic of Costa Ora, which Jim AlcClcllan manages. Rafael e l Tornado, an ambitious matador, accuses the President of the Republic of virtually handing over the mines to a foreign power, and incites the fickle populace to rebellion. Ho then imprisons the President and threatens to have him shot unless Dolores, his beautiful daughter, consents to be his wife. Thc story of Jim McClellan’s blood-tingling adventure in deposing the interloper. Tornado, and ultimately rescuing the girl, is strikingly told. This picture will appeal greatly to lovers of action ful, dashing and romantic stories. DUCHESS THEATRE “When Fleet Alects Fleet,” a Alaster Picture release, is the firot photoplay which has used the Battle of Jutland as a story background, and it is a sufficiently good production, that to see it inspires pride in the efficiency and might of our sea arm. The cast boasts of such well known English ami German stars as Henry Stuart, Countess Agnes Esterhazy, Bernard Goetzke, Nils Asther, Darry Holm, Eugen Burg, and Hcinrick George. The direotion is credited to Alanfred Noa with the assistance of Graham Hewett. D.S.C., who was in action on H.AI.S. Vindictive at Zecbrugge. “When Fleet Aloets Fleet” will be shown at the Duchess Theatre to-night (Thursday).