First Screen Opera Is Based on "Carmen”

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6838, 20 April 1932, Page 5

First Screen Opera Is Based on "Carmen”

The atmosphere of impending doom which overshadows the gipsy, Carmen, has been captured and brought to the screen by Cecil Lewis, the director of “Gipsy Love,” showing at tho Palace theatre on Saturday—an adaption of tho famous opera, with a musical accompaniment.

v,Sho relentlessly pursues her prey, flinging away all scruples to satisfy her desire. Possessed of an ungovernablo temper sho stabs a fellow-worker, and is arrested, but her guards fall beneath her spell and sho escapes. She brings about tho degradation of many but in Don Jose she finds one who is not content to play the role of a discarded lover.

The impending tragedy is forseen by an old witch who predicts her death, but even this dire warning does not sway her from her course. Slie is eventually stabbed to death by Jose who has been driven frantic by her ardent love for Escamillo, a toreador. As Don Jose, Tom BuTke makes his first appearance in a full-length talkie, bringing to film-goers a splendid opportunity to hear Britain’s most renowned tenor, and Marguerite Namara, the world-famous prima donna, gives an outstanding performance as Gannon. Lester Matthews, Lance Fairfax and D. Hay Petrie are among a strong supporting cast, and Doctor Malcolm Sargent, who arranged tho musical setting for the film, personally conducted the New Symphony Orchestra.