LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 374, 7 June 1928, Page 14

LYRIC

“LAST DAYS OF POMPEII”

Lord Lytton, famous novelist of a few years ago, whose books have become classics, wrote one novel which has lived where the others have only been remembered by students. There is hardly one person who has not heard of his famous novel, “The Last Days of Pompeii." This theme has now been used for an Italianmade picture, entitled “The Last Pays of Pompeii," which follows the story closely, ar.d has for some of the scenes an actual eruption of Vesuvius. The picture will be shown toi night at the Lyric Maria Corda Theatre. Two well-known Continental actors. Maria Corda and Victor Varconi, play leading roles. This great story of love and romance of a city destined for destruction is thrilling, and spectacular in its realism. The story of the love of a blind girl for the man whom she calls master forms the delicate romance of the picture. The picture abounds in some wonderful scenery. The Roman baths, games, and life are faithfully portrayed. The massiveness of the sets, the strict adherence to detail, impresses at every turn. The smashing climax to the story comes with the most vivid destruction of the city by eruption. Gladiatorial combats, and the feeding of men to the lions, and sports of other days, arc some of the thrill minutes. The supporting cast is composed of well-known players of Europe. Their names have perhaps not been heard of in this country, but their art ind accomplishment and characterisaiion are excellent. These include Coun ess de Ligouro. Bernhardt Goetzke, En flie Ghione, Ferruccio Biancini and Victor Evangelist!.