EMPIRE THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21431, 4 September 1931, Page 6

EMPIRE THEATRE

The voice of the Russian people Is to be heard at the Empire Theatre to-day, when " Resurrection,” from the pen of the immortal Tolstoy, will be screened) The picture was made under the direction of Edwin Carewe, and has Lupe Velez in the part of Katusha Maslova, and John Boles as Prince Dmitri. The joyous, carefree' spirit of youth is to be found in the opening episodes, wherein the prince Mils in love with the peasant ward of his aunts. Before the first reel is over that white love has turned to purple passion. Then, In rapid-fire succession, come despair, abandonment, buoyant humour, and Utter indulgence, life,' death, and a spiritual re-birth following degradation, imprisonment, exile, bitterness, and yearning, sacrifice, aild resurrection itself* Catewfeß reason for wanting to make “ Resurrection ’* was given by the director himself: “Dmitri and Katusha traverse the entire emotional scale, and it is one great story wherein man and woman alike suffer and triumph in sacrifice.” All the resources of the great Universal studios in California were called into play in the making of “ Resurrection.” Some of the biggest sets ever Seen on the screen Were built for “Resurrection,” which was produced under the personal supervision of Carl Laemmle, jun. A surging drama of human souls lost on passion . and redeemed in love —that is “Resurretioti, which is said to be a triumph in screen technique. Its dialogue and musical effects are vibrant with dramatic tensity; its photography is glamorous, pictorial; the, adaptation is scintillant with romantic charm and poignant tragedy. Edwin Carewe has caught the psychology and philosophy of Toystoy, and has faithfully brought to life on the screen the virile, fascinating characters of the book. John Boles plays his part with romantic realism. His portrayal of this difficult role is a commendable expression of histrionic art; his characterisation is human and sympathetic; his _ speaking voice rings with sincerity, and his singing is captivating. He is dashing as a lover, sinister as a soldier, eloquent in his final resurrection. As Katusha Maslova, the peasant girl in love with Prince Dmitri, Lupe Velez invests her role with deep understanding, poignant emotion, and artistic conception. Indeed, this bnUiant young artist lends lustre to the finest traditions of the screen.. Her gift of character delineation, stirring in its emotional appeal, finds full expression in the romantic scenes and in the deep pathos .and tragedy of the story. A fine array of short subjects has been chosen to accompany the main picture, the gem being a Slim Summerville two-reel comedy entitled “ The Royal Bluff.’ There is also a hilarious cartoon and a double Graham AfNamee_ Talking News reel. Preceding the big picture also will be a stage presentation by Mr Stan Lawson and 24 of his talented pupils. The box plans are at the Bristol and at the theatre.