STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 561, 14 January 1929, Page 14

STRAND

“TEMPEST” ' Rich in romance and action and with John Barrymore giving the finest performance of his illustrious screen career, “Tempest,” a spectacular picture having as its background imperial and revolutionary Russia, is now being shown at the Strand Theatre. Judging from the reception accorded Barrymore’s new United Artists film, it will challenge all attendance and popularity records at the Strand. “Tempest” is crammed with action, not to mention plenty of humour, from the opening of the story, when the star is a peasant officer plunged into the gay life of pre-war Russia, to the final scenes, when he rescues a princess, his sweetheart, from bloodthirsty hordes and escapes with her to a new life of happiness. The story is original, the direction by ! Sam Taylor nothing short of brilliant, j and the work of the large supporting j cast exceptional. Lavish settings and marvellous photography have their share in making Barrymore’s vehicle a 100 per cent, example of screen entertainment. Those who like romance will revel in the love scenes played by the Star and his beautiful leading lady, Camilla Horn, a blond who makes her American debut in “Tempest/’ Previously she was a European star, and her convincing portrayal of the princess opposite Barrymore stamps her as one of the year’s outstanding finds. Barrymore himself never had a more powerful role than the one in “Tempest.” As peasant soldier, dashing officer, lover, prisoner and revolutionary he imbues his characterisation with the fire and sincerity of his unrivalled histrionic ability. Among the other prayers are Louis Wolheim. George Fawcett, Ullrich Haupt, Boris de Fas and Lena Malena. A beautiful stage presentation, in which Miss B. Stuart, contralto, is the soloist, precedes the showing of the film. Enjoyable music is provided by the Strand Symphony Orchestra, directed by Eve Bentley.