“THE WEDDING MARCH”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 17

“THE WEDDING MARCH”

VIENNA, UNIFORMS, ROMANCE AT TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S The re-enacting of historical incidents and the reproduction of a life and people now departed, perhaps the greatest services of the screen to mankind* has reached its highest level in the fine film, “The 'Wedding March,” j which was shown in A-uckland at the j Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres last j evening, ‘‘The Wedding March” depicts the ; life of old Vienna in its heydey before 1014, with its haughty aristocrats, gorgeous uniforms, and its cafes among the apple blossoms on the banks of the Danube. “The Wedding March” is the creation of the famous Austrian dramatic artist, Erich von Stroheim, who both directed the production and played the leading role. It is said to have taken two years in the making, and certainly many ol' the scenes, particularly v those of the j Corpus Christi procession, are wonder- | luMn their pageantry. Erich von Stroheim is the old-time Austrian aristocratic cavalry officer to the life—he looks the part and acts the part. In the picture he falls tempestuously in love with a child of the poor, M£tzi, daughter of an innkeeper. Under the apple blossom on the Danube they plight their troth, both supremely happy to the exclusion of all else. But the world intrudes when the young officer’s aristocratic parents arrange a marriage for him with a wealthy heiress. He rebels, and there are stormy scenes with his father, but the family is desperately in earnest, and the loveless marriage is arranged. Mitzi’s lover, a rough, common butcher, threatens to kill the bridegroom at the church, but to prevent this Mitzi has to promise to marry him. Outside the great edifice the crowd gathers, the drenching rain symbolising the gloom of the future. Before the high altar of a splendid cathedral Prince Xicki von WildelicheKauffenburg is married, in the presence of the elite of Vienna. As fhe bride and bridegroom march up the aisle and out into their carriage, the butcher jeeringly lifts up Mitzi, so that she can see the last of her “Prince Charming.” The real charm of the picture is itf. background of Vienna—the gay city of extravagance and glamour just before the war. Fay Wray is charming as Mitzi. and the remainder of the cast is ably filled. A most excellent supporting programme is shown, which includes 'Secrets of the Deep,” a U.F.A. gem. a comedy, a cartoon and a gazette with views of the departure of the Southern Cross.

Tlie Paramount ail-talking and singing i»icturo. “Close Harmony.” starring Charles Rogers, deals with life behind the scenes of a big motion picture and vaudeville theatre.