THE TIVOLI

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6885, 15 April 1929, Page 3

THE TIVOLI

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN. Wc are proud to announce that what we really believe to be the greatest production in the history of motion pictures, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, will have its first premiere at this theatre to-night. Over two millions was spent in the making of Universal’s photo dramatisation of Harriet B. Stowe’s novel, taking 19 months for the actual filming. More than 5000 players appear in the massive production, in support of a cast of all star magnitude. lor nearly two years the press has acclaimed the screening of this picture and its showing here is the fruition of the desires of innumerable motion picture enthusiasts. Probably no other picture has had tho extensive preparation of this one, Pollard having spent 11 years in research. It was in 1914 that Pollard knew that he would some day direct his masterpiece, and every waking hour since then, when he was not engaged upon other pictures was devoted to plans for the making of Uncle Tom. Extensive trips by artisans and craftsmen were made throughout the entire South for eight months prior to commencement of filming, in order that historical, atmospheric and physical details might be authentic. Later the entire company visited the actual scone of the famous novel, filming sequences in the very surroundings immortalised by Mrs. Stowe. The Kate Adams, noted Mississippi side-whcelcr, was chartered for nine weeks, two weeks having been spent by technicians in its metamorphosis into tho La Belle Riviere of tho book. The most pretentious sets ever erected were constructed at Universal city, exact replicas of actual homes in the South being made for the plantations as well as the many other interesting and unusual settings. The poignant love story of Eliza and George permeates the massive production, a beautiful contrast to the epic sweep of the powerful story. The cast is a noted one ,headed by such famous artists as Margaret Fischer, Arthur Edmund Carcw, Gcorne Siegmann, Lucien Littlefield, John Roche, Gertrude Astor, Nelson McDowell, James B. Lowe ami u host of others.