“SUNRISE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 418, 1 September 1928, Page 25

“SUNRISE”

A Fox Masterpiece

GRIPPING drama for strand

SUNRISE,” a gripping and dramatic study of human moods, is to be the next attraction at the Strand Theatre. It is being- awaited with eagerness by all who have belief in the inspirational power of the screen. A simple story, a cast of only three principals, and an ordinary work-a-day atmosphere are three of the unusual features of “Sunrise.” These are exploited in settings which break all records.

It is difficult to choose the most favourable angle from which to view “Sunrise,” for there are many, and each is both attractive and unusual.

For example, there is the magniii

cent acting of that brilliant young star, Janet Gay1101*, who has thrilled picturegoers everywhere by her work as Jie farmer’s wife who is the apex of the dramatic “ Sunrise ” triangle.

There are the magnificent scenes of “Sunrise”—scenes which cost William Fox twice as much as “Wliat Price Glory?” and three times as much as “The Iron Horse.” The preparation of the settings included the building of a small town, the erection of an amusement park, and the staging of one of the most realistic storms seen in pictures. Finally there is the story itself—a drama centering round the lives of three humans, who suffer in a net of circumstances so real and plausible that it grips the imagination without effort. This has been, handled by the director, F. W. Murnau, with truly remarkable skill, while the photography is of the highest modern standard.

“Sunrise” is the story of a farmer tempted to murder his "wife because of his infatuation for a city woman.

He agrees to a plan by which he will upset a boat with his wife in it, and save himself by clinging to a bundle of rushes. At the last moment he repents, and liis wife flees from him in horror.

The man follows her to the city, where they become reconciled, and spend a happy day in a great amusement park. On the way home they are again in the boat, and a storm springs up. The little craft 13 wrecked, and the man attempts to save his wife by tying the rushes to her. She disappears, and he struggles ashore, determined to seek out the woman who has ruined his life, and kill her. At the last moment news comes that the wife has been saved, and the reunited couple face a new dawning of happiness—a sunrise unclouded by the menace of unfaithfulness. A simple story—even a prosaic one, but in its treatment it reaches great heights. The action covers scarcely more than the passing of a day, yet the film is long and unhurried, and the attention of the onlookers is neveallowed to waver.

There have been few greater pictures than “Sunrise,” and none so genuinely appealing.