NEW OPERA HOUSE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 287, 31 August 1935, Page 13

NEW OPERA HOUSE

“Sanders of the River” Based on those stories of West Africa which are perhaps the best yarns the late Edgar Wallace ever spun, “Sanders of the. River,” which is running yet another week at the New Opera House, is an epic of the white man’s domination of uncivilised and warlike negro tribes. Paul Robeson makes a fine figure as the shrewd, likeable Bosambo, first ,an enemy, and then an ally, of British prestige. Leslie Banks plays the title role, of the white commissioner whose duty it is to maintain law and order in a remote and difficult outpost of the Empire. Nina May McKinney is delightful as Bosambo’s wife, Lilongo. The turgid rivers and hardly penetrable fever-ridden jungles of the Dark Continent form a sombre background to the colourful find starring plot. The name of Sanders is sufficient to hold the warlike tribes in check—until he. goes on leave. Two renegade whites, illicit traders in rifles and gin, spread the lying word that Sanders is dead, and the report spreads like wildfire among the tribes. The Ochori natives, most powerful tribe on the river, are inflamed by liquor, and the peace that Sanders worked so hard to enforce is broken with a vengeance. An orgy of slaughter stains the tropical river with blood, and Sanders's return to restore order provides a fine climax. The cupports comprise a special Walt Disney, programme, including “Birds in Spring.