ARRESTING DRAMA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20281, 16 April 1934, Page 3

ARRESTING DRAMA.

One of the most powerful and arresting dramas of modern times, “ Rasputin and the Empress,” starring John Lionel and Ethel Barrymore, began a rettrrn season at the Grand Theatre on Saturday. Added interest was given the screening of this film by reason of the fact that it caused a sensation in England recently when Princess Hina Youssoupoff was awarded £25.000 against the producers. She claimed £IOO,OOO from the M.G.M. Film Corporation, alleging that the character of Princess Natascha in the picture was so thinly veiled that people throughout the world recognised it as herself. Based on historical fact, the story, which was written by Charles MacArthur, gives a vivid insight into the plots, counter-plots, orgies and intrigues which brought about the end of the ill-fated Romanoff dynasty in Holy Russia and established Bolshevism in its stead. The acting is a revelation, Lionel Barrymore’s characterisation of the wily, oily and rascally confessor, Rasputin ’ (the Mad Monk), setting a truly high standard. Good shorts ” complete this outstanding entertainment.