“METROPOLIS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 382, 16 June 1928, Page 16

“METROPOLIS”

COMING TO AUCKLAND “Metropolis,” a picture produced by the UFA Company, which will be exhibited at Everybody’s Theatre for an extended season commencing on Thursday, June 28, is unlike any film so far screened. Two years were devoted to making it, a cast numbering thousands being employed. The story is sketched of a great metropolis as it will appear 100 years hence and of the remarkable progress of science, principally of engineering. Without the Sfiufftan process such a production would have been impossible. Millions of pounds have beep spent to build the machinery introduced, the boulevards with rows of lofty buildings, and the underground city in which the toilers spend their lives. Gigantic machinery is seen in motion, its principles transcending any so far in use. Two cities are portrayed, both controlled by the dominating brain of one John Masterman, who confined the workers to subterranean dwellings in order to save space and valuable land. There they lived, rarely seeing daylight, operating the wonderful machinery for the benefit of the rich living in idleness and luxury in a city of palaces and gardens. Oppression of the workers resulted in serious conflict. The storm broke, and every machine operating the great city was destroyed, including the “heart” machine in which its very existence depended. In a sensational climax John Masterman humbles himself and acknowledges the brotherhood of mankind. A love theme runs through the story. The principal parts are well acted by distinguished players, including Brigette Helm. The direction is masterly, the skilful handling of huge crowds being notable.