‘THE VOLGA BOATMAN," LAST SCREENINGS TO-DAY

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3615, 16 September 1927, Page 6

‘THE VOLGA BOATMAN," LAST SCREENINGS TO-DAY

continued triumph AT DE LUXE THEATRE. Another huge attendance -witnessed the second* evening presentation last night of the famous production, “ The Volga Boatman,"' which, by-its phenomenal success, establishes new attendance records foi- Palmerston. It is not often that a motion-picture evokes such frequent and enthusiastic applause as is daily and nightly being accorded Cecil B. de ilille’s. stupendous successor to “ The Ton Commandments." A most noteworthy feature of the presentation is the musical embellishment, and the unanimous verdict is that the Orchestra do Luxe has never been heard to better advantage. It has the additional merit of being augmented by the inclusion of Mrs. W. H. K. Gilmour, accredited as being one of i the Dominion’s most accomplished pianists. This addition is understood to be permanent. The capacity house clearly appreciated the superb effect obtained by the perfect synchronisation of picture s and music. It is indeed a memorable season-. > Colossal in its settings, astoundingly vivid and powerful in story and with the most perfect characterisations yet viewed on the silver-sheet, the theme deals with the love of a humblo boatman for a Russian princess. She hears him sing and falls in love with him. Ho spurns her for he cannot comprehend. The revolution comes and in an attack on the palace of the princess’s father a revolutionist 1 is killed. Feodor, the boatman, demands the life of the princess in return for that of the dead man. He agrees to kill her, but when he is alone with her A he finds himself powerless to commit the deed. He pretends to kill her, and carries her to an inn, where he introduces her as Lis wife. For this the prince, commander of the White Army, orders Feodor to be shot. The princess takes her place by his side, determined to die with him, but before the firing squad can act Feodor is rescued by the revolutionists. Feodor is commanded to fix the punishment of the aristocratic captives, and ho orders, them to be harnessed like the Volga boatmen and drag the boat. Later, Feodor, the princess and prince are tried by the tribunal and the two former are acquitted, while the prince voluntarily quits Russia am exile. The boatmman and Vera find happiness. “ The Volga Boatman ’’ is an adaptation by Leornoro Coffee of the original story by Konrad Bercovici. Elinor Fair, Victor Varconi, Julia Faye and Theodore Kosloff and William Boyd head a cast of many thousands. Included in the brilliant music score are the following:—" Kind Midas " (Eilenberg), as overture, " Song of the Volga Boatman " (A. M. Lake), " Don Giovanni," “ Count of Luxembourg,” " II Trovatordy’ “ Life of the Czar,” " Hungarian Lustspicl," “ Valso Tristc," " Prelude," " Reconciliation,’ all superbly rendered by the Orchestra de Luxe, the quintette of accomplished artists, under the most capable leadership of P. Law. It is worthy of note that considerable reservations have been requested from a number of outlying districts, u many cases “ The Volga Boatman " is being viewed twice and thrice. In consequence of the large numbers being unable to gain admission to date intending patrons are earnestly advised to book. It is announced that no extension of the season is possible, the engagement terminating to-night (matinee to-day, 2.30). Particulars as to prices and box plan arrangements may be seen on front page.