ELIZABETH BERGNER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 3

ELIZABETH BERGNER.

Newcomer to the Screen in “ Catherine the Great.” “Roman Scandals,” pop-eyed Eddie Cantor’s latest musical comedy extravaganza, heads the excellent programme at the Plaza Theatre this week. “Catherine the Great,” which will start at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday, introduces to New Zealand audiences a famous Continental actress, Elizabeth Bergner. In her first picture role, as Catherine, she has already been acclaimed by critics as the “Bernhardt of the screen.” Douglas Fairbanks, jun., has the leading male role as Peter. The picture was produced by Alexander Korda, who directed “The Private Life of Henry VIII.” and has had enthusiastic receptions in Paris, London and New York. It is the story of the Teuton Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst from the time of her arrival at the court of Elizabeth, Empress of all the Russias, to her triumphal march to the same Imperial throne. The story traces Gathering summons to the Russian court by the Empress Elizabeth; her marriage to the unbalanced Peter; his infidelities; his cruelties when he becomes Czar, and the revolution when Catherine is made ruler and Peter is killed. As a subject for the producer’s canvas, these stirring times in Russian history present admirable material, not only on account of their powerful story value, but alscf on account of the glamour that surrounded the Imperial Court at its gayest and most dissolute period. Korda has translated all this to the film in vivid and realistic manner, backed by acting as fine as the screen has ever shown. The supporting cast contains many distinguished English players, including the late Sir Gerald du Maurier. Flora Robson, Irene Vanbrugh and Diana Napier. The settings are beautifully designed and photographed.