AVON

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23053, 22 June 1940, Page 17

AVON

“BEAU GESTE” “Beau Geste” is here again, showing at the Avon. The new version of P. C. Wren’s rousing story is even more stirring than the silent film which broke records years ago. V , This great drama of life in the French Foreign Legion becomes more gripping as the story goes on. Gary Cooper is the gallant and fearless Beau Geste Ray Milland plays John Geste, Robert Preston is Digby Geste, and the three heroic brothers, loyally devoted to each other, find plenty of high adventure in the desert. These three stars are ably supported by Brian Donlevy, who gives a splendid portrayal of a brutal sergeant, and chaririing Susan Hayward. , ' , The Geste brothers, are introduced as young boys, keen- and'filled with; the spirit of-adventure. They dive with Lady Patricia Brandon, her’ nephew, and her ward, Isobcl, Vat Brandon Abbas. While playing with the other children, Beau hides in a suit of armour and accidentally hears Lady Patricia arranging to sell “Blue Water,” a valuable sapphire, to pay for the upbringing of the children, and to have a substitute made. Years later, a telegram arrives from her. husband to say that he is coming home to sell the gem. Beau, now a man, but still with his boyish love of adventure, realises how serious the situation is for Lady Patricia. He asks her to bring out “Blue Water” so that they can all see it for the last time. While they are looking at it the lights go out, and when they come on again the sapphire has gone.-All seem guiltless, but during the night Beau leaves home. Digby and John are convinced that he has gone to join the Foreign Legion, and they follow him. When the three brothers are reunited in the desert the story becomes even more stirring. The sergeant and a professional thief believe that Beau has a vfery valuable jewel in his possession. and they resolve to get it by fair means or foul. When the situation is becoming desperate for the Gestes, Arabs attack the fort. A terrific battle against tremendous odds theh follows, and the plot of this great adventure unfolds in a fitting climax of heroism and glory. , Supporting features at the Avon include an orchestral number, “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” and a Popeye cartoon.