RUSSIA'S CHAOS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 560, 12 January 1929, Page 13

RUSSIA'S CHAOS

“TEMPEST” AT THE STRAND

TELLING, CONVINCING DRAMA

Ten years ago the vast Russian Erripire was engaged proudly but ponderously in a death struggle with the Powers of Central Europe. A few years later her greatness had crumbled. The Tsar was dead, the aristocracy destroyed, and revolution stalked the land. History began to repeat itself. About 130 years before, happenings of a grim similarity had taken place in France. A monarchy had been shattered and a country had suffered even as Russia. was suffering. Ever since the French Revolution, an army of writers has stated and restated its history in countless stories, short and long, clever and mediocre. Now the Russian Revolution is having? its day, and the writers are rivalled and excelled by the most powerful of modern story-tellers, the motion-pic-ture man. His latest contribution—perhaps to history, certainly to art —is “Tempest,” produced by United Artists, presented by Joseph Schenck, and starring John Barrymore. It opened a special Auckland season at the Strand last evening; a memor-

able occasion for [film lovers. I At various times Iwe have watched [the screen depict [the Russian RevoI lution from practically every angle. Moreover, nearly every star of note has taken the opportunity of dpnning fur cap /and great coat, and battling with Cos-

sacks or Red soldiers, according to circumstances. Yet this is the first occasion on which the theme has been exploited with real purpose. “Tempest” is impartial, thorough, and convincing, but it is more than these. It gives us something of the psychological side — the human element —in both palace and liovel. The dramatic qualities of the film are outstanding. The story is simple, but powerful in its simplicity, and the atmosphere—that subtle combination of settings and histrionism —rings true from beginning to end. Barrymore, on© of the few remaining actors in a realm of type casting, appears as a young peasant sergeant who gains a commission by sheer grit. His commanding officer welcomes him to the mess, but he is ostracised by the others. Disheartened, he drowns his sorrow at a ballroom buffet and awakes in a lady’s bedroom. His conduct costs him degradation and imprisonment, but he has learned to love the lady, daughter of a general. Comes the war, and in its wake the revolution. After years in a dungeon lie is released and appointed a member of the death-dealing Red tribunal. Before him stand the general and his daughter. The ex-prisoner cannot save the man, but he wins his way to the frontier with the girlThe photography of “Tempest” is excellent, and the direction effective. This, together with its strong cast, including dainty Camilla Horn and bluff Louis AVolheim, makes it one of the Strand’s most promising drawing cards. Last evening’s programme was enhanced by the singing of Miss Bunt.y Stuart, contralto, in. a delightful prologue. A newsy Paths* Gazette, and a first-class comedy, were the remaining pictures, and Miss Eve Bentley led the Strand Orchestra with customary skill.