For all those who regard Elizabeth Bergner as the answer to a moviegoer's prayer, the revival of "Catherine the Great," at the Fine Arts will hold great appeal. Miss Bergner portrays the Empress Catherine II of Russia amid flocks of befrilled and bewigged gentlemen, vainly attempting to rule an empire while her mad husband philanders and rages.
The play does not give Miss Bergner the opportunity to display her best talents inasmuch as her sprightly appeal is only with difficulty adapted to the role of Empress. Douglas Fair-banks, Jr. and Flora Robson, the famous English stage actress, give excellent support in the roles of Czar and the dying Empress from whose once capable hands Catherine II has to take the reins of government. The English eye for details is less keen than that of Hollywood and the pomp and pageantry which abound lack the conviction which recent domestic historical films have attained. In spite of these defects the film is well worth seeing if one has not viewed it before.
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The Vagabond