MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 19, 23 January 1935, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

"THE LAST GENTLEMAN’’ “The Last Gentleman,’’ a delightful George Arliss comedy and a worthy successor to “The House of Rothschild,” is now showing at the Majestic 1 heat re. In it the popular star gives a deiightful performance as Cabot Barr, a wealthy, irascible, familyproud old New Englander, who calls together his relatives in the vague hope of finding a worthy heir. Immediately the members of his family have assembled under his roof he proceeds to insult and humiliate them and accuse them of wanting to obtain his money, and bvtrays fiendish delight as they squirm under his accusations. In the story the eccentric old millionaire develops a genuine affection lor Marjorie, his granddaughter, and plans to promote a romance between her and Allan, his daughter’s adopted sou, and make them his heirs. However, they quarrel like childreu until the old man puts into practice his elaborate scheme to throw them together and make '.hem fall in Jove. The film ends on a cheery note. The story, which was adapted from the play by Katharine Chigston, is rich in humour, and a distinct departure from the usual trend of film plots, and entertainment that will delight the hearts of all is assured. The cast includes Edna May Oliver, as Barr’s sniffling but likeable daughter, Frank Albertson as Allan her adopted son, Janet Beecher as the widow of the old man's son, and Charlotte Hcnrv as her daughter Marjorie. Donald Meek takes the part of Judd, Bair's only living son. a thoroughgoing scoundrel, who has been secretly recording his father's eccentricities io the hope of proving him insane and in* heriting his estate. “The Count of Monte ’risbo.” A good picture advertises itself and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which comes to the Majestic on Saturday has proved itself in other ventres. Dumas’ epic, of the past Napoleonic days has long held a place in the halls of literary fame, so the story ef Edmond Dantes, the, sailor who first became » prisoner to suit the designs uf a selfseeking trio, and later reappeared as ♦he Count of Monte Cristo in search of a justice that proved almost greatei than vengeance, is well known. However, it has been brought to life on the scree), with a faithfulness to detail that gives it a freshness that cannot help but appeal to all; even to the closest students of Dumas. Certain minor liberties have been taken by the producer; as for instance, the scene on Elba, which was relegated to a brief reference between Dantes and the owner of Ks ship by Dunias, is given in detail. Yet no undue liberties have been taken, and the finished product'.on is nv.’Vh bettor than the usual semihistorical picture. The characters are well chosen, tho acting is excellent throughout and the numerous scenes are done with a magnificence rarely ißcen during recent years.