ROMANCE DE LUXE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 514, 17 November 1928, Page 15

ROMANCE DE LUXE

“PRINCE OF ADVENTURERS” Ordinary standards of cinema criticism do the barest of justice to “Prince of Adventurers,” the glowing romance now being screened at the Strand Theatre. On every possible point of film comparison it stands above previous efforts of its kind. This Universal Film de France is ■purposely a gorgeous extravaganza—a brilliantly fascinating fairy tale for grown-ups who have their dreams of adventure and power in the courts of both Europe and Venice. The picture was constructed after immense labour and an amazing expend itLire of money. It has been highly-rated and extravagantly praised; therefore it is sufficient to say that it reaches and exceeds our highest expectations. Each sequence scintillates in its magnitude and brilliance, and the loveliness of the film as a whole is something that will linger in memory and set a new standard of appreciation. Truly cosmopolitan is the European atmosphere introduced throughout the tale of a gay philanderer and his amours in cities from Russia to the blue-bordered shores of the Mediterranean. Many of the most magnificent scenes were taken in Venice, where the authorities of the city gave every facility to the wizard producers, and enabled the directors to secure thousands of extra players for crowd scenes on the lakes and in palaces. Gorgeous colours and gay, exciting action characterise these sequences, while the acting of the various principals is remarkable in its sincerity, passion and polish. After his adventures in the heart of Venice, the handsome and delightfully wicked Price of Adventurers skips to fields and pastimes new. With him goes the enthralled onlooker, rejoicing in his successes, and sympathising irp his misfortunes.

Th© snows of Russia and the fair fields of Franc© form settings for further scenes in which the most exciting action takes place. At all times the compelling personality of the principal character is made the pivot round which the interests and fascinations of the plot circle. In the leading role Ivan Mosjoukine gives one of the best portrayals of his career. He is fascinating and compelling—an immoral gentleman with a redeeming sense of chivalry. His character is based on that of the notorious Casanova, a remarkably successful philanderer in the days of Venice’s greatness and decadence and Mosjoukine offers a most efficient study. The supporting character’s are well cast, and the histrionic standard is particularly high. Good supporting films and an excellent musical programme, including an incidental vocal number, round off the Strand programme to perfection.