KING’S THEATRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12750, 4 January 1936, Page 6

KING’S THEATRE.

“LAST DAYS OF POMPEII.” . Recreating the lavinh splendour and grandeur of the Roman Empire, at tho zenith of its strength, “The Last. Days of Pompeii” opened a season at the King’s Theatre to-day. It is a magnificent drama of a man who symbolised both the strength and weakness of mankind. From its beginning thefilm unfolds a breath-taking series of barbaric wonders and vivid savagery on a scale that- staggers the imagination. The production reaches a spectacular climax when the eruption of Vesuvius, accompanied hy earthquake, completely demolishes the classically beautiful city. ' Both tho eruption and the destruction of Pompeii are said to he stirringly realistic, and the tale of the last, vivid years of the Roman playground is based substantially upon authentic facts that were derived from extensive, historical and archaeological research. Preston Foster, heading a strong cast, appears as the powerful master of the arena where life and death battles are staged between slaves and barbarians. Basil Ratlibone plays Pontius Pilate, representative of the Roman law in Judea, and Louis Calhern, John Wood. David Holt and Dorothy Wilson provide other important characterisations. There will be four sessions to-day.