FAMOUS NOVEL IS MADE INTO PICTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18085, 19 February 1927, Page 6

FAMOUS NOVEL IS MADE INTO PICTURE.

GEORGE ELIOT’S “ROMOLA” SCREENED ON MONDAY. With George Eliot as the author, with Henry King, the man who made "The White Sister,” the director, and a cast which embraces Lilian and Dorothy Gish, Ronald Col man and William Powell, any picture must necessarily bear the hallmark of a triumphant .success. Such a picture is “Rornola,” the Metro-Goldwyn production to be presented at Everybody’s Theatre next week, and one can justly say that the picture version of the famous classic lias, in every respect, done full justice to the literary masterpiecV'. The story of “Roniola," although set: in medieval Italy, holds the deepest interest in every page; full of a thousand hold intrigues, p. thousand daring plots against law and order. A. high-spirited dramatic bent and a fervent romance are other aspects of a picture of fiery action and* .infinite beauty and charm. “Rornola’ is set in an age which was noted for an unconventional attitude towards life. The only thing worth having was power, and to get it. one had to strike quickly, lest his enemy struck first. So primitive a situation lent itself to much dynamic drama, greedily snatched romance and a certain grim humour that Was not entirely without, its attractions. A fascinating age in which was combined the glory of Renaissance art with the untutored instincts of the savage out for authority. In such a brave time is “Rornola” staged, but the softening touch which every woman writer, no matter how brilliant, always glosses over the sterner tones of her work, is happily apparent throughout. Thus, the drama becomes wholly and solely a human one, peopled by vital human characters and sustained by the subtle charm of the author’s vivid story-tell-ing power. That mystic and intriguing character*, Savonarola, about whom so much controversial matter has been published, is one of the leading people in the play, and is given a masterly portrayal by Herbert Grimwood. In the title role, Lilian Gish plays with her customary gentle artistry, but. also imparts to the lady she interprets the necessary touches of fire and dashing spirit. Dorothy Gish is a, meek and patient Tessa, William Powell gives a sterling performance as the graceless Tito, while Ronald t’olman is effectix e as Carlo. The picture was filmed in Italy, against the historic backgrounds of the novel, which fact makes a special appeal to the scholar. The Select Orchestra, under the direction of Mr W. .T. Bellingham, F.S.M.. will play a, special orchestral prograhmme, including the following numbers: Overture, “Rosamunde,” (Schubert); suites. “Songs” (Schumann), “Scenes Neopolitaincs” (Massenet) and “Three French Songs” (Bembcrg) : opera, “Madame Butterly” (Puccini) and “Etienne Marchel” (Saint Saons); entr’acte, “Andantino” (Bizet); selection, “Romeo and .Juliet” (Gounod); fox trot, “Leander” (Gilbert). The box plans are at the Bristol Piano Company, where patrons are requested to book their