“MICHAEL STROGOFF”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 14

“MICHAEL STROGOFF”

A GREAT FILM Under the magic passport given by the Russian authorities to M. Sapent, producer of the stupendous Universal Film-de-France triumph, Michael Strogoff,” railways were placed at tlie company’s disposal, the customs duties were suspended for three months, the costumes, properties and persons of the company were free from tax. Post offices, railway stations, cottages, steamboats and an enthusiastic and intelligent army were also placed at the disposal of the “Michael Strogoff” company. , „ For the arrival of Micnael Strogoff at Nijni-Novgorod, the ultimate point of the railroad connection, the government loaned a railroad train which actually had be n in service in ISSO, the period of uie story. For the crossing of trhe" \ olga River a fen y boat of the exact time and type used in 1850 was procured and put into commission. In addition the exterior of the official post office in Riga served admirably as an administration building used in the picture, while- a dozen or so typically Siberian homes were offered for use by the company. Such was the attention to detail obtained by the producers of this remarkable picture, Russian in story and typical Russian in scenic effect and atmosphere. For once it is impossible for us to dissect any scene from this attraction and say that it was actually a built-up corner of Hollywood. The producers of “Michael Strogoff” can faithfully claim that they have secured the most authentic atmosphere of any picture yet produced. “Michael Strogoff,” which is from the pen of that remarkable author, Jules Verne, concerns the adventures of a secret agent of the Czar in his attempt to carry despatches from Moscow to Irkutsk, his route laying through country over-run by invading

hordes of barbarous Tartars. Numerous sets used in this picture are the last word in magnitude and lavishness, while the swift-moving events and intense acting of the principals combine to make it a picture destined to please the most fastidious. “Michael Strogoff” will be screened at The New Regent Theatre, commencing Friday, May 20.