CARMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 97, 15 July 1927, Page 14

CARMEN

RELEASED NEXT MONTH Director Raoul Walsh’s screen version of “Carmen,” with Victor McLaglen as the bullfighter and Dolores Del Rio in the title role, will be released shortly by Fox Films. The place of honour leading off the new season’s schedule was given to “Carmen” because it is considered one of the strongest pictures on the Fox list. The proved box office appeal of the Prosper Merimee story has been considerably enhanced by giving it a cast of well-known players, a rich investiture and a director whose name is synonymous with success, both artistically and financially. After completing “What Price Glory,” Director Walsh’s first step in preparing for the filming of “Carmen” was to secure the services of his “Glory” stars. Miss Del Rio and Mr McLaglen, for the new picture. Old Spain had been invaded for costumes. Spanish artists and architects aided in reproducing the authentic atmosphere of Seville. Miss Del Rio’s Spanish heritage and her temperament enabled her to give a most artistic portrayal of the fiery Carmen. With the same skill shown in his interpretation of Captain Flagg in “What Price Glery,” McLaglen played the role of Escamillo, the rugged bull figter, with convincing realism. The part of Don Jose was assigned to Don Alvarado, himself a Spaniard. Nancy Nash, Mathilde Comont, Fred Kohler, Carmen Costello and Jack Bastian have other important roles.