NATIONAL THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18533, 18 October 1923, Page 11

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., . ,'■".'••'•.' .:'■•"'■'/.'■•" ; .'■..'.'' '-. ."