PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 13, 16 January 1925, Page 5

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

The William Fox motion picture, made .from Dante's celebrated classic, "Inferno," commenced screening at the Paramount Theatre to-day. This production seems to have a lion's share of attributes which popularise a film. It is eye-filling and imaginative, and contains some extremely high spots of exciting drama. Perhaps tlie picture's greatest appeal is its weird photographic beauty. The modern part has been smoothly worked in so that there is no discordant note, and ' helps to enhance the effect of the scenes in the Inferno as they are shown as profoundly affecting a man of the present day who profits by their lessons. Obviously, the most impressive scenes are the ones which picture the Inferno. These constitute a succession of gigantic spectacles, weird and fascinating, bringing' out forcefully the idea of never-ending punishment for sin. Hundreds of persons appear in these sequences, many apparently entirely in the nude, but there is an entire absence of sensuality, and they serve only to blend into the scenes and en-' hance the impressiveness. On Ralph Lewis, as the grasping, ruthless, selfcentred millionaire who deliberately stifles all his better instincts, falls the major role, and he gives an excellent and convincing interpretation. Dante' is effectively portrayed' bf Lawson Butt, who is an excellent type, as is Howard Gaye in the role of Dante's guide. The other roles are all capably handled. By making the modern scenes which picture the tragic results of the millionaire's treatment of his family and friends, also a part of the dream in which he sees Dante's tour of the Inferno, the picture is brought to a close in a startling but pleasing manner. . The "supporting items have been carefully selected, atid include comedy, interest, and Gazette. A magnificent and spectacular prologue will precede "Dante's Inferno," and a specially arranged musical score -is rendered by the Paramount Orchestra. The box plan is at the Utility stationery shop, next to the theatre.