MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

"THE BARRIER”

Skilfully dramatised to lose nothing of its Alaskan setting or the social problem that brings out the best in very diverse natures, the screen version of “The Barrier,” screening today at the Majestic Theatre, if anything improves on Rex Beach’s novei. Poleon, as played by Leo Carillo, is a lovable character, always flamboyantly hiding his feelings to ease the path of those he loves, carolling cheerily in a fine baritone, and really only natural when playing with the children, with whom his nature is almost ridiculously akin for all his 14 stone, yet a lion when Necia is in danger. Jean Parker has the charming part of a young woman with a girl’s unsophistication, too Innocent to realise that she is of different blood to the trader's children by his squaw. A splendid supporting cast includes James Ellison, Robert Barratt, Otto Kruger, Sara Haden, and Andy Clyde The short subjects are unusually interesting and thrilling.

“Topper.” Packed with nonsensical situations, “Topper” is to commence on Saturday at the Majestic Theatre. When two very gay friends of a prim and quiet banker (Roland Young) are killed in a motor accident, their spirits decide that they will do a good act by taking him away from himself and his wife. The banker, Topper, buys their car, and wherever he goes the ghosts (Constance Bennett and Cary Grant), who can materialise or disappear from view as they wish, go too. He leaves home and sets out for nowhere in particular with the idea of getting away from his strange friends and his careful spouse. He finds that he is not alone on his jaunt, however, for the beautiful female ghost has decided to go with him. They go to a far-off hotel where many strange and ludicrous happenings arouse the suspicions of the stupid house detective (Eugene Palette). The male spirit arrives in search of his wife, an amicable agreement is reached, and the police, who have been called in, are completely baffled.