"THE SON OF THE SHEIK."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19502, 26 December 1928, Page 5

"THE SON OF THE SHEIK."

A NIGHT OP LOVE. QUEEN'S THEATRE, THIS WEEK. A holiday programme of great merit is being submitted to tha patrons of the Queen's Theatre' this week. Chri9tchurch has lately seen many comedies and it is quite a pleasant change to see an outstanding drama, especially suoh a one as "The Son of the Sheik," whiofi cannot fail to delight and thrill all who see it. Besides this excellent picture another drama is shown, a drama that is worthy of special mention for reason of its excellence. Altogether the programme is splendid and can be recommended. Rudolph Valentino's greatest picture was "The Sheik"; it was that picture which made Mm famous. And coming' soon after it was a worthy successor, "A Son of the Sheik." This picture, with all its charm and excitement, is the Queen's main feature this week. The story is surely well known, being a continuation of the romantic tale of love and hates, of wrongs committed and avenged, of bold and thrilling encounters, of resoues and the like, a most adventurous and romantic tale. Rudolph Valentino returns in this picture to the role which suits him the best of all the many roles which he has played. He is quite at home in the picturesque garments of the East, and is intensely vital and attractive in situations which demand prompt action, whether it concerns women or war, and there is plenty of both in this picture. He plays the lovar in a story whi,ch is woven from a delightful love tale, but ft tale which is very troubled with all the things connected with the desert. He has the assistance of thq beautiful and talented Vilma Banky, who is undeniably attractive as the French dancing girl who tours the desert with her crafty father. In 'the second big picture the fair Hungarian. Vilma Banky, again appears, but this time as the support of that well-known English actor, Ronald Colman. The picture is widely different from the first feature. The scenes are set in olden Spain, where a French princess is given in marriage to a brutal and vicious Spanish prince. Montagu Love is seen in this unpleaoant role. Into the lives of these two people comes a gipsy, whom love has wronged, and who had borne malice for long years. How these two men, one so powerful and feared and the other hunted and with no power but his dagger and his nimble wits, stalk and play one another, forms a most engrossing story. The princess in the background and the jealousies and intrigues of the ducal court lend colour to the action, a"hd the whole story is brought to an intensely dramatic conclusion, logical and satisfactory to all. Vilma Banky and Colman are excellent as are the supporting artists. In addition a news reel and two splendid comedies are shown.