NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 205, 18 November 1927, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“FAUST” Few so-called star attractions have received the unanimous praise of the world’s greatest critics as the U.F.A. masterpiece, “Faust,” which is distributed in this country by Cinema Art Films, and which will have its Australasian premiere at the New Regent Theatre to-night. At first glance, it appears strange that a theme of such forcefulness, human interest and appeal should not have inspired the followers of the youngest of all the arts, the silent drama; but probably the gigantic element of forcefulness, the gospel-like appeal with a moral, has so far kept the modern producers for the film from attempting to film the legend of Dr. Faust. It remained of course for U.F.A. and for their director, F. W. Murnau, to recognise the wonderful possibilities of “Faust” as a story for screen reproduction. In the screen version Dr. Faust does not sign away to the powers of damnation his immortal soul because of an indomitable greed for power, or because of a sicentist’s burning desire to arrive at the en,d of all things in the universe. He is tempted by the powers of darkness, just at the moment when he is in despair over the sufferings of his plagueridden fellowmen, and his own impotence as a physician, to put an end to the black terror that is around him. Emil Jannings delivers a Mephisto of a robust humour, of persistency and treacherousness, and finally one with a sure knowledge of dominance., Gosta Ekman, Sweden’s greatest actor, plays “Faust,” and gives a most remarkable and striking contrast between the aged doctor and his youthful and romantic reincarnation. Miss Camilla Horne is playing her first important part as Marguerite, a part which she creates as beautiful and fragile as the original part inspired by Goethe’s genius. “Faust” calls for something different to the ordinary in the way of presentation —it requires an atmosphere, at once artistic and dignified, and Gounod’s masterly opera written to Goethe’s immortal drama, has received no small attention from the Regent’s musical director, Mr. Maurice Guttridge. Mr. Guttridge has arranged a special musical score, including almost the entire opera by Gounod, and played by that superb musical combination, the Regent Operatic Orchestra, together with Eddie Horton at the organ, should be a stirring and fitting accompaniment to this mammoth screen production. In addition Fred Curran, famous comedian from J. C. Williamson’s Celebrity Vaudeville, is making his first appearance. Fred Curran, one of England’s stars, is known at Home as the Parody King. His reception at the Tivoli theatres in Australia was most enthusiastic. Eddie Horton will this week feature another set of novelty song slides, while the supporting programme includes a Regent Gazette, an Aesop Fable cartoon, and a Path© colour review. Owing to the great length of programme the evening performances this week will commence at 8 o’clock sharp. The management states that bookings are heavy for this phenomenal season. Box plans at Theatre (46-888).