“THE MIDNIGHT SUN”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12608, 19 November 1926, Page 4

“THE MIDNIGHT SUN”

UNIVERSAL STAR FILM AT DE LUX®. Imagine a cavern of jewels, a grotto of solid gold and silver, hidden away inthe depths of the earth, whore the spirits which influence the beautiful gems live in a realm all tlioir own. Such is the setting for the “Ballet of Jewels” in the Universal super-produc-tion, “The Midnight Sun,” which opens at the De Luxe Theatres tonight. The picture was directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki, and was given an all-star cast by Universal. The Ballet of Jewels is one of the most magnificent dance spectacles ever filmed. It is staged by Fanchon, under the supervision of Buchowetzki. Fanchon is the feminine half of tho famous vaudeville and producing team of Fanchon and. Marco. Fanchon has won an enviable' reputation for the manner in which she. stages dance di-' vertisserrtents, and is said to have surpassed all her ’ previous efforts in the great spectacle which she has given to “The Midnight Sun.” The Ballet shows tho famous Imperial Russian Ballet that, during the reign of the Czars, held forth in St. Petersburg. It was then considered the greatest in thq world. The famous Opera House in St. Petersburg was reproduced in every detail at Universal, and all its splendour and greatness are faithfully shown. Incidentally. this scene has been provided witn a huge audience of extras, who not only had the pleasure of witnessing the ballet, but were also paid for doing so. The costuming of the audience is in keeping with the event depicted, for the scene represents

the Imperial Ballet at the height of its greatness, when a gala performance would bring, together one of the most brilliant assemblages in tbe world. The clothes worn by the women in the audience would be tho euvy of many a screen star. Laura La Plante, whose rise to screen fame has been most rapid, heads the imposing oast. Pat O’Malley is seen in a role entirely different from anything he has ever attempted. As the third principal, Universal is presenting young Raymond Keane, whose rise to stardom is the sensation of the year. Not only is it Keane’s first prominent role, but also his first picture. Glcorgo Siegmann, whoso name is known wherever photoplays are shown, plays the “heavy.” Arthur Hoyt is to be seen >n a most congenial role, »s is Earl Metcalf. Ni na Romano, one of the screen’s foremost beauties, is also a member of the great cast. Russia has given the picture Mikhael Vavitch, Medea Radzina, Charles A. Handcock, Victtfr De Linsky, and William von Hardenberg. The Orchestra De Luxe will render a special musical programme during the screening of the picture. Box plans are at the Bristol Piano Company, at Aitken’s Book Arcade, or seats may he hooked at the theatre; telephone 23-080 after 5 p.m.