PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume 105, Issue 4, 6 January 1928, Page 12

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Faust," tho U.F.A. masterpiece, which has been rolascd iv this country aud Australia by the Cinema Art Films, Ltd., will be screened at the Parameunt to-day. In this version of "Faust," by Goethe, Dr. Faust sells his soul for a single day to tho devil just to cure his plagui -stricken pjoplo. But when ho finds out lhat his sacrifice has been in vain and that his efforts have not been appreciated, he is allowed by the evil one to regain his youth and kidnap Lady Bianca. Tiring of wild youth, his romance with Marguerite follows, tho murder of her brother, tho death of her mother, her own disgrace and punishment at tho stake, with Faust saving his soul at tho very last moment through the power of love. Mr. ¥. W. Murnau, tho director, has handled this supernatural and melodramatic tale with fineness and artistry. When he now and then forsakes sleight-of-camera tricks, so to speak, to concentrate on the story one is swept swiftly in the wake of moods and absorbing action. Emil Jannlngs, the celebrated Continental actor, lias everything his own way as Mephlsto, the evil spirit. Ho leers at mankind, delighted with his super powers. He even gives Dame Martha, excellently portrayed by Vvette Guilbert, a love potion and thrills her by flirting with her. Gosta Ekmann gives a Stirling delineation of Faust, as the white-haired, white-beard-ed, stooped pedant, and as the passionato loveseeking youth. Miss Camilla Home, a newcomer to New Zealand audiences, makes a beautiful Marguerite, and portrays the girl's conflicting desires. Recognising that "Faust" requires something out of the ordinary in stage presentation, Colin Crane has produced a wonderful prologue. He will be assisted by Mrs. Harris and E. W. Bobbins, as Marguerite aud Faust respectively. A special musical score arranged from both Berlioz and Gounod aud a number of other well-known composers has had the attention of H. Gladstone Hill for some woeks, and the result is a melange of beautiful melodies, ably interpreted by the Orchestra Paramount. The box plan is at the theatre daily from 10 a.m.