LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 381, 15 June 1928, Page 15

LYRIC

“SCARLET PIMPERNEL” STORY The exciting days of the French Revolution, when aristocrats were guillotined without mercy, form the background for the remarkable picture “I Will Repay,” which was shown at the Lyric Theatre for the first time last evening. “I Will Repay” is one of the wellknown Baroness Orczy “Scarlet Pimpernel” stories, produced by a British film company. Whatever has been said about British films in the past, “I Will Repay” marks a new era. for the characters and acting are perfect and the scenes are well handled. The scenes of the shouting excited mob at the trial are remarkable, as also are the pictures of the luxurious homes in the days of 1783, where the elegants danced, and the hungry clamoured at their gates. The story revolves around the revenge sworn by a beautiful young girl (played by Flora Le Breton) on Paul Deroulede, an eloquent but crafty lawyer, who killed her brother in a duel. Deroulede, once the most aristocratic of the ancient regime, became the idol of revolutionary Paris. Juliette, the girl, plots his downfall and when a guest in his house, discovers some incriminating documents and hesitates between exposing Deroulede and forgetting the past, because of her newfound love for him. The scene where Juliette spent all the night wavering between fidelity to her oath and love for the man now in her power is one of the most powerful and dramatic ever filmed. Just when they are both condemned to death, however, they are saved by Sir Percy Blakeney (the Scarlet Pimpernel), played by Holmes Herbert. “I Will Repay” is a dramatic story, well told. A second feature is also being shown, “Broadway Billy,” starring Billy Sullivan, a story of a boxing champion, who is nearly ruined by loose living, but the love of his wife enables him to win his greatest match. The picture includes a really thrilling championship fight. The usual supporting pictures were also shown and excellent orchestral accompaniment provided by Mr. A. Marbeck’s orchestra.