MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 243, 14 October 1933, Page 16

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“CAVALCADE,” SCREEN EPJS Those who attended the screening of “Cavalcade” at the Majestic Theatre last night on the occasion of the midnight matinee which gave the film its first screening in Wanganui, could not have felt otherwise than impressed with the memorable occasion. Deeply moved by the nobility of the theme and stirred by its patriotic pageantry, the audience did not fail to display appreciation of the sterling qualities which have made “Cavalcade” the picture of the generation, it would be safe to say that no film has so stirred the blood of Britons as “Cavalcade.” It strides hot-footed through the last 33 years of British history, pausing at such critical episodes as the South African War, the Great War, and the Disarmament Conferences, to recall the sorrows and the triumphs the British people in their steadfast march toward greater honour and glory. There is fidelity and an extraordinary sense of spaciousness in the camera’s roving eye as It sweeps backward through the years and recalls the embarkation of troops for South Africa, holiday crowds on Brighton Beach,’ the despatch of troop trains from Victoria {Station, London, in 1914, and the mad whirl of excitement into which the world plunged in the hectic years following the peace. ‘ Cavalcade” is like no other epic drama in. its piling up of shattering climaxes, in its terrilic contrasts of rejoicing and sorrow, in the beautiful simplicity behind its power. Take, for instance, the intensely poignant description of the funeral of Queen Victoria, portrayed with great artistic restraint. The people in the play talk about the gun-carriage, but it is never shown; tho solemn procession is seen in the fixed eyes of the onlookers. Or take the catastrophe of the Titanic., Most film producers would be sorely tempted, to stage a stupendous wreck scene, but Frank Lloyd sticks to the play, and the mind is shocked more suddenly by the suggestion than the reality/ Noel Coward’s patriotism is devoid of the “Maf eking” tinge. When the crowds run riot in Trafalgar Square on Armistice Night it is the pathetic face of the woman who has just heard that her son has been killed that takes his interest and sympathy. And womanhood, giving sons and happiness to the voracious jaws of Mars, is as much his theme as the intoxication of victory. So the storied years pass in panoramic review. Great ingenuity has been shown in reproducing familiar London scenes Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the East End haunts—and the handling of vast crowds has been done with a maximum of emotional effect. lhe Cockney dialect, spoken by a considerable number of London actors and actresses, is authentic, and a particularly sound cast is headed by Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook, the latter giving what is certainly the finest performance of his screen career. “Cavalcade,” which has enjoyed the distinction of a Royal Command performance before their Majesties the King and Queen, has broken all records everywhere, both in Britain and the Dominions, and, significantly enough, elsewhere. The story of “Cavalcade” is the story of the Mar ryot family. Jane and Robert, their two sons, Joe and Edward, their servant. Ellen Bridges, and their daughter Fanny. While it is etched on a background of historical events of the last 33 years, the story itself is the principal feature of

“Cavalcade.” The family—its joys, loves and tragedies—ls always uppermost. Its theme is universal. The featured roles are played with brilliant artistry bv Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook, with Ursula Jeans, Herbert Mundin, Una O’Connor, Frank Lawton, Irene Browne, -Merle Tottenham. The supporting cast numbers 3500. Historic England, from the reign of Queen Victoria to the present day, sweeps magnificently and dramatically across the screen. There will be a special morning presentation of “Cavalcade,” commencing at 10.30 this morning, while the usual matinees will be given throughout the Wanganui season. In support of “Cavalcade,” not that any support is required, there is the “best yet” in the Walt Disney Silly Symphony series, “Santa’s Workshop,” which is in itself worthy of special mention.