"SIGN OF THE CROSS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 85, 11 April 1933, Page 9

"SIGN OF THE CROSS."

EPIC SPECTACLE FILM

"The Sign of the Cross," which, will be given its New Zealand premiere at the Regent on Saturday, is the latest great effort of that master of spectacle films, Cecil B. de Mille. It as also, proof of the unending appeal of entertainment of this nature, whether the audience happens to be in Rome's Circus Maximus or in a modern picture theatre. This famous story of martyrdom and heroism, in the Neroian days of ancient Rome, adapted from the stage play by "Wilson Barrett, makes a first-class vehicle for such spectacular scenes as Cecil B. de Mille conceived for "The Ten Comiriandmexits" and "The King of Kings." The role of Mercia, the, lovely young Christian martyr, is taken by Elissa Landi, one of the most sensational screen stars of the day. Marcus Superbus, Prefect of Rome, is portrayed by the rising young acto& Fredric March, while the part of Nero receives what- lias been everywhere acclaimed as a masterpiece of interpretation by Charles Laughton, the.' English character actor. Claudette Colbert is said to be alluring as the Empress Poppaea. The remaining players in the cast of 7500 include Tommy Conlon (Stephanue), lan Keith (Tigellinus), Vivian Tobin (Dacia), Joyzelle (Ancaria), Ferdinand Gottschalk. Harry Beresford, Nat Pendleton, and William V. Mong. "The Sign of the Cross" is released as a great religious story, a great love story, and, above all, a great spectacle. Heavy booking has been experienced at the Regent for the grand premiere on Saturday and also for Easter Monday, the management expecting the entire theatre to be completely reserved before the season actually commences. Conse- . quently, it . has been arranged to open plans for booking for every night of the initial week, •