MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 106, 8 May 1933, Page 12

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“LET ME EXPLAIN, DEAR” That famous essayist, Addison, recounts in the “Spectator” the holding t of grinning competitions in England, < the winner of which was presented 1 with a gold ring. Could anyone who 1 saw “Let Me Explain, Dear,” at the f Majestic on Saturday night, suddenly i freewheel back through the years to i take part in any of those competitions, there is no doubt that he or she ! would carry away the golden ring, be- • cause there was such good cause to grin ada laugh. Gene Gerrard’s latest ■ picture is, like all his previous pic- ' tures, meant to be funny and it is 1 good acting combined with clever dialogue and a quickly moving story make ' the picture really enjoyable. As a philanderer trying to pacify an inquisitive wife, Gene soon adopts the art of thinking out excuses for his esca- ' pades; but there comes a time when his wife, instead of going to stay with her mother, returns unexpectedly to discover that, her George is not at home, nor even waiting up for her. On the contrary, she finds a photograph of a lady in negligee and spends a restless night planning for the return of her “vassal” lord and master. His return with a necklace complicates matters, and when the lady of the negligee herself appears on the scene some even quicker explaining is required. Gerrard is an expert at repartee and getting others into his awkward positions while he escapes. There are several amusing and well-thought out scenes and when £ene becomes allied with his wife, acted by Viola Lyel, and Claude Hulbert, as a helpless sculptor, in trying to wheedle a claim for £lOOO from an insurance agent and a doctor, the fun becomes fast and furious. Amy Veness, wh° plays the role of the “fat old lady,” meets with, an unexpected reception when Gene mistakes her for the inane sculptor. But matters work out all right in the end and the picture has an amusing finish. The supporting pro gramme is of exceptional merit and an outstanding short is that which shows England’s radio telephone at work. Calls from all parts of the world are received there and sent out to the ends of the globe. Rows of girls receive calls and manipulate necessary plugs; all languages are spoken and there are special bureaux for various countries. New York, Cape Town, Sydney —all are within reach of London and communication is easily established. Photos of the Victoria Falls, “the thunder that smokes,” are exceptionally fine, while the latest glimpses of Hitler, Cosgrove and de Valera are most interesting. Mickey the Mouse is as entertaining as ever.