“PRINCE OF ADVENTURERS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 508, 10 November 1928, Page 15

“PRINCE OF ADVENTURERS”

AT STRAND ON WEDNESDAY There is not a dramatic or art critic in England or the Continent who has not raved over the gorgeous European extravaganza, “The Prince of Adventurers.” “Great Spectacle,” “Riot of Colour,’' “Would not have missed a moment of it,” “Magnificent Pageantry,” “Brilliant,” and “An Absolute Triumph,” are only some of the phrases that have been used. The secret is, of course, that this production is on a plane of its own. It simply cannot be compared with anything else, no matter where produced. As an example of the gigantic nature of its production, one may mention one of the scenes, that in Venice. Seven cameramen were employed in taking these Venetian scenes. The director worked from an erection constructed in the centre of the Grand Canal and communications with his various heads, situated in the midst of the crowds, was effected by telephone and wireless. The entire Place St. Marc- and the Place St. George were placed at the disposal of the producer by the Italian Government and the Venetian authorities. In addition to providing police to keep these squares free from traffic, five large barracks were lent for the accommodation of the crowd. The Marquis of Donegall, the brilliant young gossip writer of the London “Sunday News,” says of “The Prince of Adventurers.” “One needs a supplement to one’s vocabulary to describe this wonderful film. Until I saw it, I had no idea that even the screen could present such lavishness, such colour, and such a variety entertaining fare. Unquestionably I would vote this the finest film I have ever seen. It will linger in my memory a long time. My only fear is that it will spoil my pleasure when going to see lesser films, for it is impossible that I can hope to see a production equal to this for a long, long time.”