NATIONAL THEATRE.
FILM VERSION OF "NERO."
An historical spectacle that is impressive to an' unusual extent 'is William Fox's stupendous film-play, " Nero." It is full of life, spirit and real drama. The first screenings of this , picture at the National Theatre yesterday . attracted large numbers of spectators and tho impression made was -• a very favourable one. "Nero" Cells' its 'story, of the Caesar's despotism, corruption and final . fall amid immense sets of remarkable grandeur, and exterior scenes of entrancing beauty. The relation; of the dramatic tale of perfidy on the one hand arid nobility on the other employs ■;a large cist and a ',' multitude of extra people. < In the mob scenes' J. Gordon ; Edwards, the American producer, who directed the film in Italy, has handled the crowds in such' a way that they give the spectators a genuine thrill regardless -ol! fheir relation to ' the story. - The i photography, is superb, and some unusual results; of -great beauty have been ' accomplished with what is known ;as , panchromatic ' film and tinting. Sketched : briefly the-plot v outlines Nero's , career from the time he' was at the heigCh of his power to' his downfall.' He •is at first seen as the, crafty, cruel/- lustful, / and \U vainglorious tyrant, secure in hi a power, and "giving in to; every whim,, or" indulging in every vice that.takes his fancv. . The story t'hen 7 traces the gathering "storms "which hover about Nero and filially wreck him, until, a deserted and despicable coward, he is - assisted to commit suicide by one , of ■■ his , former followers and dies in the arras of the one woman who really loved him, but whose love he had spumed for the scheming woman who became I Empress of Rome. The love story of-Horatins and Marcia : accompanies -tho main ,'•; theme. No finer interpretation of the • licentious> Emperor > could be wished for than that of Jacques Gretillat, of, the Theatre Odeori, Paris. He stands out as a living impersonation of all that the worst., of the Caesars, has meant through the ages. : His • dramatic ability a/id facial, expression are admirable. Violet ; Merscreau vis a|lvery charming Marcia. She is the. only American member of the cast. Alexander Salvini is a handsome Horatius and cuts , a romantic figure. Paulette; Duval, is also striking a Poppaea. . The scenes of the burning-oi Rome and • the { huge ; arena art, remarkable'.;- " Nero " ' is .certainly a great production'; from-.many points of I view., . ,'■".'••'•.' .:'■•"'■'/.'■•" ; .'■..'.'' '-. ."
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18533, 18 October 1923, Page 11
Word Count
402NATIONAL THEATRE. New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18533, 18 October 1923, Page 11
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