MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 92, 20 April 1938, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“MADAME X” Although the well-remembered theme is anythin;; but a happy onefew essential melodramas present life as an easy struggle—“ Madame X,” which has returned in a new screen version and will commence to-day at the Majestic Theatre, is a compelling picture, full of suspense and interest, and made eminently succssful by the fine handling of the principal roles. Gladys George, star of the film, appears first as a young Parisian wife, pretty and carefree, and her tragic existence up to the time of the sensational court scene is graphically depicted. She plays a difficult part, calling for great skill and consummate [acting, for the young, attractive woman of early days resembles very little the broken, desperate, shabby creature who in later years lives a : life of degradation. Tragedy strikes the young Jaqueline Fleuriot (Gladys Geoi.ge) early in her married life, and 'her husband (Warren William), convinced of her faithlessness, refuses to [ give her a chance. She disappears, and drifts from place to place, gathering a livelihood in cafes, until she finally comes back to Paris as the consort of a gambler whom she shoots and kills to prevent his blackmailing her husband. The dramatic courtroom scene, in which her son, a young lawyer, unwittingly defends his mother on a charge of murder, is a moving climax. The impassioned plea of the son (John Beal) to the jury is one of the emotional highlights of the film. A welcome streak of comedy is provided by Reginald Owen, as a family friend. Supports include newsreels, a cartoon, an “Our Gang” comedy, a Pete Smith specialty, and a traveltalk.