THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 48, 19 May 1927, Page 15

THE NEW REGENT

“MIGHTY MICHAEL STROGOFF' “Take It From Me,” with Reginald Denny in the leading role, which has been delighting audiences at the New Regent during the past week, will be shown . to-night for the last time at this theatre. “You will watch in amazement this magnificently mounted, overpoweringly brilliant, and exclusive film masterpiece. You will be thrilled by the adventures of the hero—moving, dramatic, courageous, agile, absurd! From first to last it will hold you spellbound —from the palace of the Czar to the camp of the Tartars —filmed in colour —and the battle scenes with 6,000 engaged—marvellous action of unforgettable splendour! It’s the season’s sensation ! ” In this graphic manner, a famous critic describes “Michael Strogoff,” the Universal Film-de-France, which will be shown at the New Regent Theatre to-morrow. It has been pronounced the greatest melodrama of all time, and the film has been produced on such a colossal scale that even the imaginative brain of Jules Verne, author of the story, would marvel. This huge production has been mounted on a scale of unequalled magnificence. In the gorgeous settings, the massed scenes, the weird Oriental ballets at the camp of the Tartars, the novel lighting effects, in the brilliant acting of the drama itself —“Michael Strogoff” has attained a romantic splendour never before realised on stage or screen. The • entertainment is supreme, there are thrills beyond description, dramatic situations that grip the very heart. The story tells how Captain Michael Strogoff, secret courier, is ordered by the Czar of Russia to deliver a message to his brother, the Grand Duke, at Irkutsk. 5,000 miles across Siberia. Strogoff has to fight his way through country infested with Tartar rebels. On his way he takes it upon himself to guard a young girl. Nadia, who is seeking to join her father. Strogoff, at great hazard to himself, makes it appear that the girl is his sister. His trip across the Steppes is fraught with unending danger and daring adventure, culminating in a race against the chief of the rebels to be first to reach the besieged garrison at Irkutsk, and deliver the message which will expose the Tartar plot. Captain Strogoff finally succeeds and also wins the girl after a very dramatic fight at the end of his journey. The film masterpiece will be preceded by a gorgeous prologue* as performed at the world premiere of the picture at the Albert Hall, London. Miss Valrrta Leich is the premier danseuse, and there are Tartar soldiers, the Grand Khan and a specially selected ballet. An atmospheric musical score has been arranged by Maurice Guttridge for the Operatic Orchestra, and appropriate numbers will be played on the mighty Wurlitzer by Eddie Horton. The Eton College Boy will appear for a second week. In view of the phenomenal interest in the film, the management advises patrons to book immediately at the theatre, phone 46-888. The box plan is filling rapidly.