THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 49, 20 May 1927, Page 13

THE NEW REGENT

MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE That colossal Universal Film-de-France version of Jules Verne’s mightiest melodrama, “Michael Strogoff,’ will have its premiere at the New Regent Theatre to-night, when Aucklanders will be thrilled and amazed by what critics call the greatest film spectacle for years. Nothing has been spared by the management to create an atmosphere worthy of the picture, which will be presented on a magnificent scale. A handsome and personable young Russian actor, Ivan Moskine, said to be “Europe’s idol of the screen,” heads a brilliant group of principals, supported by a cast said to number 6,000. The performance of-the star as the intrepid hero, a “secret courier of the Tsar,” is a splendid realisation of Verne’s famous character, and leaves nothing to be desired. The story concerns itself with the adventures of Strogoff on a 5,000 mile journey from Moscow to Irkutsk in Siberia, with a message from the Tsar to his brother, the Grand Duke, in command of the Russian troops, who is threatened by an uprising of the semi-barbaric Tartars under Feofar, the Grand Kahn. Much of the picture is in natural colour, notably the Grand Ball in the palace of the Tsar and the victory fete at the camp of the Grand Kahn, a’scene of wild and barbaric splendour, that may well be classed as one of the most spectacular ever seen in pictures. The grim note of indomitable courage and rugged heroism is well sustained while in his love for Nadia, and his forced denial of recognition of his mother, there is a fine spiritual quality that rises to the heights of sublime sacrifice. The film will be preceded by a gorgeous prologue in which Miss Valma Leich will be premier danseuse, and the Grand Khan, together with Tartar soldiers, will be represented. The prologue is a replica of that presented at the world premiere of “Michael Strogoff” at the Albert Hall, London. A special atmospheric score, arranged bv Maurice Guttridge, will be played by the Operatic Orchestra. Eddie Horton will be heard in new numbers on the mighty Wurlitzer, and the Eton College Boy appears as “he” really is. The management advise patrons that, in view of the phenomenal interest in the film, seats should be reserved immediately at the Theatre, phone 46-BSB.