MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 11

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“CATHERINE THE GREAT.’’ In the feature film as well as .in the supporting programme the Majestic Theatre can boast of something very much out of the ordinary in screen entertainment, judging by the favourable comments of patrons at yesterday’s two sessions. Thus it may be expected that “Catherine the Great,” leaturing Elizabeth Bcrgner, will attract further crowded houses to-day and to-night. It is easy enough to make ;ui interesting, spectacle out of a fi*ni based on history, but it tanes a great deal more skill on the pare, or both producer and actors to niaxo sucn a film' interesting as a human story. And this is chiefly wnere tne success of “Catherine the Great” lies —tiianks in the main to the unusual ability of > Elizabeth Bcrgner, and th£ assistance given her by Flora Robsou as the Empress Elizabeth and Douglas Fairbanks junr. as tne mad Grana Duke Peter. For a historical film It la notable iu having a complete pioc. and in revealing a real development in its main character. In all this, Bcrgner —she deserves that title —shows that her fame as an actress on the legitimate stage—she made -''Saint Joan” a success for Bernard Shaw in Geri many —has not exaggerated her ability. She is not beautiful by conventional film standards. She is small, witn wellmade features and expressive eyes. Expression and grace of movement are the qualities which mark ner out as an actress, and which show that roat acting is needed for the films. Most film faces aie mere empty masks, but Bergner’s is alive; and she conveys meaning not merely by her voice and the obvious devices of tears or laughter, but subtlety by her whole features. But it must not be thought that she is all actress and nothing woman; in “Catherine the Great” she acnieves a moving and wistful beauty. Douglas Fairbanks junr. makes a thorough success of the part of the Grand Duke Peter, and swings with ease from one mood to another. Flora Robson is even better as the Empress Elizabeth, and Sir Gerald du Maurier gives a polished performance as the Frenchman Le Cocq. The first half of the programme is worth seeing for itself alone. It includes an Australian newsreel, some startlingly interesting scenes or the lives of ‘fish in Caribbean depths in “Under-water Marvels,” and a Walt Disney Mickey Mouse cartoon ’’Camping Out. ’ ’