“MICHAEL STROGOFF”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 47, 18 May 1927, Page 15

“MICHAEL STROGOFF”

FILM-DE-FRANCE TRIUMPH The sensational, mammoth Universal film-de-France production, “Michael Strogoff,” adapted from the greatest of all melodramas by Jules Verne, will come to the Regent Theatre on Friday to thrill and amaze all Auckland. This melodramatic masterpiece of an immortal master holds the world’s record for popularity. For 20 years, it was considered too big for the screen but the enterprise of the producers, coupled with the assistance given by the Government of Latvia, in Republi can Russia, where the film was made, has resulted in a feature of such grandeur and superlative magnificence that would cause the imaginative brain of Jules Verne himself to marvel. According to critics throughout the world, words fail to describe the magnitude of this stupendous production. In it will be seen the great story of love, adventure, intrigue, dare-devilry, sublime sacrifice, vibrant romance. The spectator will sit enthralled at the overwhelming movement of massed troops on the field of battle, when a wild horde of 4,000 Tartar tribesmen engage the Cossacks and the Russian cavalry. There is the grim realism of a mountain storm, the combat between hero and beast, the pomp and ceremony of the court of the Czar and the barbaric splendour of the huge camp and tent-throne of the Grand Khan of Tartary. Again, there is the burning of a city by night; all these in colour scenes of unforgettable beauty. To use the opinion of one reviewer “No words can describe the lavish entertainment provided by this film —the greatest of all screen spectacles—so huge, colossal and gigantic as to dwarf almost any picture you have ever seen.” Europe’s screen idol, Ivan Moskine, has the heroic role of Michael Strogoff, courier of the Czar. The film will be preceded by a wonderful prologue based on a scene in the camp of the Grand Khan. Miss Valma Leich. premier danseuse, will be the central figure and there will be featured the Khan, Tartar soldiers and a selected ballet. A special atmospheric score, arranged by Maurice Guttridge, will be played by the Operatic Orchestra. In view of the phenomenal interest now being displayed in this mighty attraction, the management of the Regent advise patrons to reserve immediately at the theatre, phone 46-888, where the plan for the whole season is available.