"THE LOST EMPIRE"

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 59, 9 August 1940, Page 42

"THE LOST EMPIRE"

EGINNING at 1ZB on Sunday, 11, at 9.5°p.m., and later at all other ZB stations and 2ZA, the Commercial Broadcasting Service will bring to radio a new serial of the adventures of Nikolai Rezanov. This is an unusual programme, a story of intigue, of plot and counter-plot laid in Russia’s glamorous capital, St. Petersburg, during Russia’s_ most stirring period-the reign of Catherine the Great. The story moves to distant, legend-haunted corners of the world, to bleak Siberia, primitive:Japan, to Alaska in the days when Russia ‘owned. it, and to Spanish California. It is the

story of the time when Imperial Russia reached out to hold and possess America’s West Coast. For the first time in any radio programme the tale of this little-known phase of American history will be told. " The Lost Empire," comprising the adventures of Nikolai Rezanov, is based upon the recently-published biogtaphy of Rezanov, by Hector Chevigny. From the intrigue-ridden Court of Catherine of Russia, to the Mongolian frontier; then across to Alaska and down the Western Coast of America to what is now San Fran-

cisco, this tale of adventure carries the listener in a never-failing sequence of exciting events. The Lost. Empire is that part of North America which was once held by Russian adventurers, who, under orders from Catherine the Great, sought new lands and new trade, while Napoleon’s armies harassed Europe. ; Catherine’s Captain of the Guard and personal favourite, Nikolai Rezanov, was given absolute control of the expedition, and this man is the hero of the radio story. Against overwhelming odds, he battled his way down the west coast of America to the small Spanish Settlement of San Francisco. While endeavouring to promote friendly relations with the Spanish, and further a better understanding for trade, he fell in love with the

pretty daughter of the General in charge of the fort. Marriage was impossible without the permission of his Empress, so he decided to return to Russia for assistance and advice. The many scenes of love, intrigue, pathos and stirring adventure, as contrasted with the splendour and waste of Court life, provide as vivid and tense situations as have ever been attempted in radio. ; The entire story is packed with interest. Authentic historical background is combined with unusual geographical settings, thereby tying up fact with entertainment. At once the play becomes of " general appeal "-children will love the adventure and travel, women will eagerly follow the romance, while men will admire the courage and bravery constantly depicted throughout the story. Tune in to Station 1ZB at 9.5 p.m. next Sunday night, August 11.