GLORIA SWANSON TRIUMPHS IN "THE TRESPASSER"—MAJESTIC.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 59, Issue 50, 31 March 1930, Page 2

GLORIA SWANSON TRIUMPHS IN "THE TRESPASSER"—MAJESTIC.

Saturday night saw another packed house at the popular Majestic, when a most attractive aljftalking programme was headed by "United Artists success, "The Trespasser," in which Gloria Swanson was starred for the first time on the talking screen. Aclcnowledged as one of the most versatile stars of the silent screen, the heroine of "Sadie Thompson" lived up to her reputation in -full in her first talking piiiture. in - which she fills a role full of histrionic possibilities. Her voice, object of greater anticipation amongst her admirers on the silent screen than any other voice in filmdom, should certainly satisfy even the most carping critic", for Tt is perfectlv modulated, without any trace of American accent. She both sings and talks in her latest essny and her singing voice is as perfect as has been heai'd on the new vehicle of expression. "The Trespasser" was a play of modern life, specially written for the talkies and the two songs which Miss Swanson sang were thoroughly in keeping with the tempo of the story. She was seen as a woman of fashion with a wardrobe of gowns which were the delight qf the feminine element in Saturday night's audience. The setting of the story was Ohicago, amongst the so-called "smart set," of that much -maligned city. It was actually an intimate study of a strong-minded girl wlio _ became a trespasser in this ultra•fashionable circle thiough marrying a man far ahove her in social standing. The role of "Marion Donnell" gave Miss Swanson a wonderful opportunity for the parading of her intense dramabic powers, heightened more than ever by tbe increased scope afforded by this new vehicle. Her leading man, Robert AmeS, had a wonderful career on Broadway prior" to his advent on tlie talking screen and his portrayal of the youhg husband, toru between -fear of his fathcr and love for his young wife was one of the most enjoyable" features of the production. A poignant drama, throbhin.g with powerfuh emot'ions in combat, "The Trespasser" nevertheless hag a happy ending, the young wife and mother coming through all her trials and troubles to be once again reconciled to- the husHand for whom she sacilfied her all. It was great entertainment of tlie dramatic type and held Saturday night's audience ' enthralled throughout, a respite^ from the excellent comedy productions that have been seen at the popular Majestic of late. Included in a great line up of supports was a wonderful orchestral rendering of Tschaikowsky's colossal desci'iptive overture "1812," and another of the ' "clever "Micky the Mouse" cart'oons, which to many enthusiasts have as much appeal as any other part of the programme. It would have been difficult to select a programme offering a wider range of entertainment and one which proved so thoroughly pleasing from the point of view of the audience.