MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 11

MAJESTIC THEATRE

WILL ROGERS IN "LIGHTNIN’ ” Comedy vics with drama in "Lightuin’,” Will Rogers’ latest Fox Movietone picture which opens at the Majestic Theatre to-day, and Rogers gives a performance that outranks anything he has previously done. As the habitually idle whimsical old tippler and dreamer, "Lightnin' Bill Jones,” Rogers has a rolo that actually excels his remarkably characterisations in "They Had to See Paris’ and "So This is London.” Rogers docs not rip wide open the so-called divorce evil, but, rather, pokes good fun at it. The audience will laugh at him and will laugh with him and it is safe to say that there will not be a dry eye in the house. A fast tempo is maintained through out the picture and interest never lags. It is, perhaps, the best entertainment the screen has yet produced. Its direction is masterful for which much credit it is due Henry King, the man who also produced such outstanding screen successes as "Tol’ablo David,” "Stella Dallas” and "The Winning of Barbara Worth.” Its photography is well nigh perfect. A supporting cast, headed by Louise Dressier, contributes much to the success of the picture. Miss Dressier portrays the character of "Lightnin’s’ wife and, while famous for her mother roles in screen productions, she gives a performance that surpasses all prej vious efforts. Others in the cast are Helen Cohan, youngest daughter of George M. Cohan, who makes her screen debut in this picture, Joel McCrea, Jason Robards. Luke Cosgrave, Frank Campeau, J. M Kerrigan, Ruth Warren, Sharon Lynn, Joyce Compton, Rex Bell and Charlotte Walker. 1 "Lightnin’” is a picture that will I appeal to old and young and it should I not be missed by anybody who enjoys 1 a scries of good, wholesome laughs.