MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 297, 15 December 1934, Page 11

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THE SCARLET EMPRESS’’ Marlene Dietrich is always a favour- , ite. Her grace, her charm, but above all her delicate beauty and her consummate artistry make her a very fascinating person. And so in her latest svreen triumph, “The Scarlet Empress,” she should draw packed houses at the Majestic Theatre to-day and to-night. As a spectacle produced with a historic background and barbaric splendour, “The Scarlet Empress” sets a high standard, worthy of the producer, Josef von Sternberg, whose deft, artistic touches add materially to a picture which, from first to last, enthrals and will be seen by hundreds during its Wellington season. It is a story which takes the theatregoer back to Russia of the eighteenth century, and depicts how a Prussian princess won for herself the throne of Russia. In 1744, Sophia Frederica was brought from Prussia that she might marry the nephew of the Empress of Russia, the Grand Duke Peter, a half-wit, and provide the nation with an heir to the throne. Into a turbulent cauldron, as it were, was the young princess thrown. Her religion was changed, and also her name. She became the Grand Duchess Catherine. In due course a son and heir was born to her, a birth, which., incidentally, was unexpected so far as her halfwitted husband was concerned. Now firmly entrenched, she set about achieving power. With the death of the Empress, Russia, under Peter, was terrorised, but eventually he was overthrown and the girl that was the Grand Duchess Catherine beteame Catherine 11., Empress of Russia.. That is the story in brief that “The Scarlet Empress” unfolds. Through it all Marlene Dietrich makes first the Princess Sophia and then Catherine striking personalities. 'A fine piece of acting is done by Sam .falTe as the royal half-wit. and John Lodge is a robust Count Alexei. The part of the Empress is most entertainingly played bv Louise Dresser, and a good performance is also given by C. Aubrey Smith as Prince August. There is another important player in the big cast. She is Maria, daughter of Marlene Dietrich, who. though she is only seen for a minute or two at the beginning of the picture, makes a lasting impression.