MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 247, 18 October 1937, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THE GOOD EARTH” Four years in the making, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s film version of Pearl ■ S. Buck’s novel, “The Good Earth,” now at the Majestic Theatre, is one of the most distinguished motion pictures to reach the screen. Not only is it an artistic achievement, but it is one of the most stirring, most vibrating, and gripping stories ever to be unfolded on the screen. No little of this is due to the portrayals of its two stars, Paul Muni and Luise Rainer, in the respective roles of the poor Chinese farmer Wang and his obedient, self-effacing, slave-girl wife, O-Lan. In support of the stars is a cast headed by Walter Connolly, Tilly Losch, Charley Grapewin, Jessie Ralph, and hundreds of Chinese play- | ers. The story of “The Good Earth” is familiar to the thousands of readers of Pearl Buck’s best-seller. It describes the rise of the Chinese peasant Wang, following his marriage to the slave-girl O-Lan, who works beside him in the fields. Famine sweeps the country and they are ruined, but through O-Lan’s efforts their fortunes are restored. “The Good Earth” is a picture of pictures. The tragedy of the Chinese peoples is kid bare in a series of interludes which shift from the barren lands of the poor peasants to the palaces of the aristocracy. Direction, camera work, the spectacular backgrounds are outstanding triumphs, but above all will be remembered the portrayals of Paul Muni and Luise Rainer as the central figures of the narrative.

Owing to the length of the programme patrons should note that the excellent supporting features will commence screening at 7.45 p.m.