FIRST SHOWINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1938, Page 7

FIRST SHOWINGS

OUTSTANDING FILMS

A GREAT PICTURE

AND GREAT ARTISTS

Paul Robeson's n-ame at the head of a cast is irresistible; the picture must be seen and Robeson's glorious voice must be heard. His triumphs have been many and each has brought thousands to worship at his shrine. With such an artist it is almost impossible to compare his pictures, but if one has earned the right to be called truly great. it is "King Solomon's Mines," which commenced a season—a long season, one would imagine—at the State Theatre yesterday; "King Solomon's Mines" is more than a vehicle for Paul Robeson. It is in itself one of the most spectacular films that have, come this way for many a day. Who with blood in his veins has not thrilled to the, epic story of that master of tales of* romance and adventure, H. Rider • Haggard? Fortunate, are those who first, breathlessly turned its pages in their youth, for it has been their privilege to return to it, and once more follow that most intrepid of hunters, Allan Quartermain —there is romance in the name alone —in his pursuit of adventure in darkest Africa, where white man has not trod- before. And now comes the screen version once more to awaken that longing to follow Quartermain in the spirit if not in the flesh. It is unnecessary to deal with the story of "King Solomon's Mines." Suffice it to say that the characters are brought to life by a most competent cast. As Umbopa, who leads the Quartermain party into the unknown, Paul Robeson has a role that enables him to bring to the forefront all those attributes that have made him an idol of the screen. Not only does he once again prove himself an actor of great dramatic force, but once again he delights with his vigorous singing of several songs, which alone make the picture something to remember. Of these "Song of the Mountain" is outstanding, with the echo effect making it something unique in picture production. . Other songs which have a thrill of their own are "The Wagon Song" and "Kukuana." The latter is sung with rare dramatic force as Umbopa welcomes the returning sun after the timely eclipse which saves the members of the party from destruction. '

But magnificent as is the performance of Paul Robeson, the great negro artist does not dominate the picture; CS^ric Hardwicke, the noted English actor, has rarely had a role to sit more lightly on him than that of Allan Quartermain. What a hero Quartermain is! Taciturn, efficient, fearless but yet entirely human —and here Hardwicke makes him live just as Rider Haggard must have intended to present him to the public. Quartermain is the strictest of' disciplinarians, stern to a fault, but yet how easily is he won over by the Irish blarney of that most delightful pair of rogues, Kathy O'Brien and her improvident father, and led to undertake, much against his better judgment, the search for the treasure of Solomon. He feels that no expedition could be so futile and so attended by danger as this, and certainly events that follow the trek into the heart of Africa more than justify his forebodings. Treasure there certainly is, but it is not to be lightly won, and the events which accompany the quest crowd the second, portion of the story ' with breath-taking sequences, which culminate in the mighty eruption which protects for ever the wealth of Solomon from the greed of man. As Kathy, the irresponsible but entirely loveable colleen who ileads the party into all sorts of dangers, Anna Lee has the only feminine role, and with John Loder, as the intrepid adventurer, Sir Henry Curtis supplies the romantic interest. Anna Lee is responsible for a very fine performance, and her brogue conjures up visions of Killarney. John Loder is an efficient Curtis. In the role of Commander Good, that typically cool naval officer, who can laugh in the face of death, Roland Young is at his best. On his shoulders falls the responsibility for the comedy relief, and his work all through has the touch of the real artist. Minor roles are also well As a spectacle, "King Soolmon's Mines" also has claims to fame. Some of the. scenes are staggering in their realism, and none less than the climax, when the party makes its dramatis escape from the mountain. The scene of the battle, between rivaV tribes, m which Curtis plays such a notable part, is also excellently done. The supporting programme is in keeping with the high standard of the main feature. .:',