LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 375, 8 June 1928, Page 15

LYRIC

“LAST DAYS OF POMPEII” The love of a poor flower girl for the benefactor in the last mad days before the city of Pompeii was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius, is the central theme of the Italian made picture, “The Last Bays of Pompeii,” which was shown last night at the Lyric Theatre. This picture has been adapted from Lord Lytton’s immortal story, and the book has been followed very closely. This story of romance, love and life in the ancient Imperial city of Pompeii was terribly fascinating, particular the sports of other days—the swimming, the games, the gladiatorial combat in the arena, and the holiday sport of feeding humans to the lions. But this was only the background for one of the most powerful dramas that have reached the screen. The romance of the poor, blind flower girl for the man who had shown her kindness, was graphically told. Her love for him, and her denial and sacrifice when she knew that he loved another, and was loved in turn, gripped at the heart. The world of intrigue of the ancient city, woven about the romance of these three figures, comes to a smashing climax with the destruction of the city by the eruption of Vesuvius. “The Last Days of Pompeii” is interpreted by an exceptionally capable cast of Continental players, headed by Maria Corda and Victor Varconi, both of whom have appeared in other films shown in Auckland. This is one of the best Italian films to reach New Zealand and it was followed with close interest by the large audience at the Lyric Theatre last evening. A Pathe Gazette and an enjoyable comic completed the programme, and excellent music was provided by the Lyric Orchestra.