MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 116, 19 May 1933, Page 12

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THE CONQUERORS.” To those who are downhearted, who have lost faith in the economic stability of the world, an inspiring document of hope is RKO-Radio’s “Thc Conquerors,” a magnificent, entertaining document of the world’s travail in bitter times and sweet. It shows finally to-day at the Majestic Theatre. Starring Richard Dix and Ann Harding, the film depicts on a truly epic canvas the economic growth of a nation from its trading post era. through three distressing periods of depression, to the present time of mass production in industry. It proves that an economic depression is but a temporary affair which courage and hope can dispel. Against this timely and dramatic background of historical facts, the producers have interwoven a sublimely beautiful story of a cour ageous couple. Portrayed by Dix and Miss Harding, this pair of typical pioneers with tenacious faith in the greatness of their country and belief in its institutions, rise triumphant from the panicky days of 1873. again in 1893, and finally in 1929. Its supporting east includes Edna May Oliver, Guy Kibbee, Julie Haydon and Jed Prouty. “Smiling Through.’ Norma Shearer returns to the screen after a noticeable interval as a changed personality, for in “Smiling Through,” coming to the Majestic to-day, she wins more hearts with her charming and romanti'c acting than she has ever done in her more sophisticated performances. In a dual role, as Moonyen Clare, and, later, as Moonyen’s sister child, Kathleen, she lives through tne loves and sadnesses of two ages in a spirit of unaffected and romantic sincerity. There is a depth of beauty about the lives she portrays that cannot fail to draw the presence of all filmgoers in Wanganui to see 1 ‘ Smiling Through.” The old world settings and dresses are artistically in keeping with the earlier period of the play, and Norma Shearer is equally as beautifully gowned when the threads of the story are continued during the years of the’ war. An able cast has been selected to represent the characters, and under the directorship of Sidney Franklin the excellent qualities of 4 4 Smiling Through” lose none of their virtues through being presented on the screen. Frederic March, one of the most prominent young stars of to-day. plays opposite Norma Shearer in both generations of the story, cast as Jeremy Wayne and then later as Kenneth, the former’s son. Leslie Howard plays Sir John Cartqret, the lover of Moonyeen and the guardian of Kathleen, and O. P. Heggie is in the role of Dr. Owen, his lifelong friend. Thc story is that of a man who cannot forget the memory of tragedy when the fulfilment of his love is blighted on fils wedding day Fifty years afterwards the son of the man who caused his bitterness returns and falls in love with the niece of the girl whom this man has loved. Out of the bitterness in his heart he at first endeavours to keep the young lovers apart, and only when the spirit of his departed one warns him of the harm he is causing does he relent. In the story there are poignant moments of partings and enduring suffering by the young lovers when they are separated by the grim call of war, but the radiant personality of Norma Shearer supplies a colour and charm to the scenes which inspire the feelings of the audience. There will be three sessions tomorrow, 11 a.m.. 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.