DE LUXE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 127, 22 February 1941, Page 15

DE LUXE THEATRE

“Diamond Frontier,” now screening at the De Luxe Theatre, is an exciting and fast-moving romance staged in South Africa in the heyday of the diamond rush, when men and guns played a ruthless part in the modelling of a future civilization.

The film opens in Annnersrand in the year 1870, showing how the town is being run (and ruined) by a band of unscrupulous men, headed by a liugccvilsmiling Irishman, Dennis Regan (Victor McLaglen). When young Dr. Clayton (John Loder) returns to his native town all he wishes is to be able to start a practice aud marry the girl he loves, lie finds, however, that almost against his will be has become embroiled in the affairs of the town. He puts a spoke in Dennis Regan’s wheel, and for his pains, through the false testimony of Regan and his satellites, he is sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. While in jail Clayton meets a follow prisoner who has wealth in a jungle hideout. He also teaches Clayton all he knows of the art of disguise. They escape together, hut only Clayton survives. Almost exhausted he struggles through the tropical vegetation of the jungle toward the hoard.

On the way Clayton meets Noah, a trader (Cecil Kelln way), who likes adventure. ’The two join forces and after many adventures which include capture by a hostile band of Zulus, and tin escape from an alligator-infested swamp, they find the treasure and return to Ainmersrand. Clayton is disguised as a fastidious nobleman who has a knowledge of diamonds and who would like to purchase more. Needless to say, when Regan hears of this lie is only too willing to meet the gentleman who styles himselt Sir Edmund Dantes. As Regan Ims never heard of Dunum he at first, accepts this modern Monte Christo at. his face value, but later on he has cause to rue his trust.

How Clayton ami Noah turn the tables on Regan and his gang and how Clayton and his sweetheart are at. Last united is told in a graphic and exciting manner. Loder is excellent as Clayton, and Cecil Kcllaway gives one of his wellknown and likeable portrayals as Noah Anne Nagel is the attractive and likeable girl in the case.

The second feature, “The Lealher Pushers,” is a good comedy-drama starring that successful screen partnership of Richard Arlen and Andy Devine. There are many exciting moments and some very good ex,-imides of the fistic art. Astrid Allwyn and a good supporting cast help with the fun.