STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 558, 10 January 1929, Page 12

STRAND

“TEMPEST” TO-MORROW John Barrymore did not earn his laurels as one of the greatest stars in the history of the stage or screen by always appearing debonair and fastidiously groomed. Immaculate or dishevelled, in gold braid or tatters, he is still what critics concede to be the most convincing actor of modern times. In ‘‘Tempest,” his new United Artists’ picture, which will be shown tomorrow at the Strand, with modern Russia as a background, Barrymore

appears as a dashing army officer who loves a princess, and Is railroaded to prison by her aristocratic fiance. In the dungeon scenes, in which the star is revealed in rags, unkempt, and wearing long hair and beard, one would scarcely recognise the romantic character of the earlier episodes.

Barrymore himself believes that “Tempest” will be received by the public as the outstanding screen effort of his notable career. The story is the first one with a modern setting that he has made in several years. Camilla Horn, the fair-liaired European actress, who was persuaded to give up a starring contract abroad and to come to America to play opposite Barrymore, has the role of the princess. Other well-known players in the large supporting cast are Louis Wollieirn, George Fawcett, Ullrich Haupt, Boris De Fas, Lena Malena, and Albert Conti. Sam Taylor directed the United Artists’ -special. The Barrymore coni - If| ny worked on a day and night schedule over a period of several months during the filming of the lavish feature. A beautiful stage prologue has been arranged for to-morrow, with Miss Stuart, contralto, as the soloist. The supporting items include a Strand Magazine and music will ’s usual be supplied by the Strand Symphony Orchestra. George K. Arthur is to play a conY4l in “Brotherly Love.” Karl Dane will be his guard.