“ CARMEN ” SHOWN AS FILM AT CRYSTAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18546, 21 August 1928, Page 7

“ CARMEN ” SHOWN AS FILM AT CRYSTAL.

Preceded b}' probably the most elaborate prologue that has ever been provided for a picture in Christchurch, “Carmen,” the screen version of Merrimee’s opera, was shown for the first time at Crystal Palace last evening. This is not the first time that grand opera has been brought to the screen in Christchurch, but there can be very little doubt that it is by far the most successful effort in this direction made so far. All the poetic appeal with which the genius of its creators have endowed “ Carmen ” is retained in the screen presentation, which gives to the tale itself a vividness that brings into prominence many of the beauties that are apt to be missed in the stage presentations. The filming was a great task. Without bringing the magic atmosphere of “ Carmen ” to the screen the producers might just as well have desisted from the effort. They have succeeded to a wonderful degree. The picture breathes the romance, the coquetry and the tragedy of this classic tale, and the. Carmen of Dolores del Rio is one of the most excellent pieces of character acting that has been seen on the screen for many a day. The acting of this star in so exacting a role is one of the most notable of the many outstanding successes that “ Carmen ” is able to give. Carmen lives, a vivid, vivacious, capricious personality, full of charm and delightful waywardness, weaving the web of her magic over the audience as the drama is unfolded. It is a case of a beautiful, gifted girl rising splendidly to a great occasion, and making a picture that is like a beautiful dream come true. Victor M’Laglen, as Escamillo, responds well to the inspiration of the acting which is provided by the work of the feminine lead, and Don Alvarado, as Don Jose, is responsible for some splendid dramatic acting, especially in the scenes that precede the final tragedy. Nothing could be more admirable than the finesse and judgment with which the story has been handled. The producers have never displayed a more deft and artistic touch than in the exactness of their emphasis of the picture’s dramatic qualities, and the constant preservation of its appealing charm. The death of Carmen is one of the most artistically contrived settings that has been seen in a picture here for a very long time, emphasising as it does the poignancy of the tragedy that terminates the tale. There is nothing lacking on the technical side, the photography being of the very highest

order. The realism of the bull-fight scene leaves nothing to be desired, while there is contrived a fall of a horseman over a cliff that is of outstanding excellence. The prologue is worthy of special at- 1 tention. Miss Olga Wacked as Carmen. Mr C. Williamson as Don Jose, and Mr R. Allison as Escamillo. add to the realism of the -whole performance by the excellence of their singing, while Mr Cyril Poulton assists in a charming dance number with Miss Wacked. The prologue has been staged with full costuming, and it provides just the right atmosphere needed for the opening of the picture. A special grand opera orcehstra, under the baton of Mr A. J. Bunz, plays the Bizet score as well as Spanish and Basque airs. The musical side of the programme this week is on a scale in keeping with the importance of the occasion, and is in itself sufficient to make the season of “ Carmen ” a notable one. Last night’s audience was thoroughly delighted with “ Carmen,” and it is safe to predict that the Christchurch season is going to be highly successful. Opportunities to see pictures that approach even remotely the calibre of this film are so rare that those who delight in all that is best in picture production will not let pass the chance that is now presented. The memory of the finely contrived climax will linger long with all who see it, together with the dashing personality and always sparkling brilliance of Dolores Del Rio as Carmen. Her interpretation of the part is a delightful little cameo of pure artistry, for which lovers of good pictures can be grateful. The only other comment that seems called for, as the mind dwells on the many delights of the film, is that the management of Crystal Palace have again demonstrated that they know thoroughly well how to present a really first-class feature film when they have it. The incidental touches that were added by way of both vocal and instrumental music, and the manner in which the prologue was staged and produced, carried to completeness a night of the richest and rarest pictorial fare.