MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 11

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“SARATOGA'’ A gripping romance, comedy, some of the finest character portrayals in years, and thrills of a thundering race-track are highlights in “Saratoga,” the picture that brings Jean Harlow and Clark Gable lo the Majestic at the head of the next change of programme commencing today. Never was Jean Harlow lovelier. Never has the virile Gable been given a greater opportunity than as the “square” gambler and bookmaker in the new race-track story, penned by the authors of “Sail F’Uicisco," Anita Loos and Robert Hopkins. Jack Conways deft direction is apparent every moment. “Saratoga’ tells the story of the spoiled daughter of a wealthy horse-owner, and a gambler and bookmaker whom she first hates, fights, then loves. The background of the swift action ranges from penthouses and a London hotel to a Kentucky horse farm, the Saratoga racetrack, and famous races on tracks in various points of the United States. The final racing climax, photographed by special equipment, provides a genuine thrill. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer gave the picture an elaborate cast. Frank Morgan and Una Merkel are seen together as a comedy team for the first time, and more laughs as well as a song are contributed by Cliff Edwards and his ukulele. Other players are Walter Pidgeon, George Zucco Jonathan Hale, Hattie McDaniels’ Frankie Darro, and Henry Stoned Thousands appear in the racing and grandstand sequences. One of the most, interesting Sequences takes place in Lionel Barrymore's horsebreeding farm, where thoroughbred animals ranging from famous racehorses to young colts, all brought from stock farms in California, appear. One of the most dramatic scenes is that in which Miss Harlow, after triumphing over Gable and seeing him “go broke” through her activities realises that she loves him.