"THE MIDNIGHT SUN."

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 117, 13 November 1926, Page 13

"THE MIDNIGHT SUN."

In "The Midnight Sun," the Universal super production which will commence screening at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next, 19th November, Dimitri Buchowetzki, noted Russian director, has pro-^ duced one of the biggest screen spectacles' of the year. It is a Russian story staged in a lavish getting that rivals former big productions made by Universal. In addition to its magnificent sets,. no expense was spared when it. came to casting the players. Several huge stages were constructed for this picture alone, one of which contained a replica of the famous St. Petersburg Opera. Over a thousand extras and principals took part in these scenes alone. So large was the production that it required not only a special wardrobe staff, but a special building in which to house the costumes, and a special research staff to handle furnishings, architecture, and other details. The story from which the picture was adapted was famous some years ago in Europe as one ;of the most dramatic narratives of the old days of the Monarchy and of the up-' risings of students Nihilists, forerunners and first warning of Bolshevism. The year in which the action' of the picture takes place is 1913. The technical details of this picture, such as uniforms, furnishings, court scenes, and the military angles were handled almost entirely by Russians, bo they are absolutely true to form. Laura la Plante is seen as the young ballerina, who has charmed her way from the ranks to the top of the ballet. ■ Pat O'Malley is the Grai.d Duke, handsome and resplendent in gorgeous and colourful uniforms. Raymond Keane, making his first start as one of the principals in a big production, plays the hero. •