“FAUST”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 201, 14 November 1927, Page 14

“FAUST”

COMING TO NEW REGENT The legend of Faust, in which that learned old man came to pay the very devil for a short fling at youth, has been picturised by the same organisation that made such rare film gems as “Variety” and “The Waltz Dream,” and will receive its New Zealand premiere on Friday next at the Regent. Those who know the drama of Goethe will know how the evil spirit known as Mephisto came upon a carnival day to Faust’s town and spread black plague and terror among the villagers. When Faust, wise and holy man that he was, could not wipe out the scourge, he renounced his god and went to seek aid from the evil one. Mephisto gave Faust back his youth and took claim upon his soul for the rest of his life. And so the legend is unfolded to that day when the maiden of Faust’s rejuvenated heart is to be burned at the stake for her unwise love, Faust rushes to her aid and perishes with her in th blazing pyre. The Mephisto of Jannings is a masterful characterisation even for Jannings who adds this to his many remarkable portrayals of the past. Faust is played by the celebrated Swedish actor, Gosta Ekman, and Marguerite is created, a beautiful and fragile creature by Camilla Horne. As Marguerite’s Aunt Martha, Yvette Guilbert gives a capital performance, one which is worthy of emulation by many less careful character actresses of untender years. The photography and settings are of the usual U.F.A. standard. “Faust” is the loveliest celluloid prose which has come this way in a long time.