"THE VOLGA BOATMAN."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18925, 14 February 1927, Page 6

"THE VOLGA BOATMAN."

SEASON EXTENDED. GRAND THCATRIi. Although we presented "3 ho A olga Boitniin" last Monday with every confidence cf a season of capacity houses, wo believed that tho customary week would suffice for ' patrons of tho City. To our plcasutc, howover, we find it supremely necessary to .extend the season for another week, and this ,-great epic will again be rcreclied at tjc Grand Theatre this week. "The Volga Boatman" has lived tip to its reputation. ; Kverything which was said of it btts been, wholeheartedly, endorsed by tlia public. This 'picture performs one of the. most difficult' tasks that could bo set a picture, tho fault-' leu depiction, oi Hussian peasant , life, with "irfetetnal paradoxes, its ruthless tragedy, ill . fantastic, Slav humour, its birbario colour, and colossal drama. There is a touch of socialism in the structure of- tho theme, and whero it is infrequently apparent it is a raging, breathing force, showing tho unbridled passions of serfs suddenly tho masters, a vibrantly emotional story, with, civi! conflict a primary factor in the development ct the plot, a nation of Caucasians and '.Tartars tho background, a noble princess and a Volga boatman, tho- two :«oul» who hold tho engrossed attention from the moment ibo first scene flickers on to the screen, a perspective of the human beasts of burden dragging the barges along the banks of the Volga, harnoascd to their tasks, till tho drama ends in a burst of triumphant, sombra htimanness. The story is ono of contrasts, Tho picture opens .with a scene in an aris ; tocrat's palace, strikingly ' reminiscent of tales ofc tho Reign of Terror in France; it depicts Czarists revelling and making merry while outsido the spark of icbellion has been set to the pile pi Bolshevism. With the advent of tho ' rebels, all out for murder, loot, and revenge, tho drama of "Tho Volga Boatman," swings into its stride, and running tho entire gamut of emotions and visions and ideals, it concludes with a scene of rare power, in vrhich simplicity and dramatio effect skilfully blend. William Boyd plays the title role, a character which calls for tho ability to restrain, the ability to portray, by varying facial expression the conflicting thoughts and temptations which assail the sort's soul who finds himself wielding the lash over the hated aristocrats, confronted by tho mysteries and delights of love, a character who, in ignorance, cannot understand. Elinor Fairo has the role of a princess who permits love to overthrow caste; Julia Faye plays a Tartar campfollower, an unconventional but delightful creaturo who provides much comedy and not a little emotional drama. The Quality Orchestra will play a special programme of orchestral music, "The Song of the Volga Boatman" predominating. The box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano Co., where scats may be reserved.