Life of a Sinister Monarch Is Revealed

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 11

Life of a Sinister Monarch Is Revealed

“ABDUL THE DAMNED” A MUCH-AWAITED PICTURE

(Bcgent: Screening To-day.)

“Abdul tne Damned.” Is one of the greatest, most lavish and amazing films ever produced, telling the story of Ahdul Hamid 11., Sultan of Turkey, the last of the Eastern tyrants, who was eventually deposed for extreme cruelty to his subjects.

It is part of the life of this sinister monarch which the 8.1. P. film depicts. It reveals the cloak of mystery surrounding much of the intrigue which was rife round the court of Abdul Hamid, and shows the various happenings which led up to tho rebellion of the young Turks. In all his dastardly doings, Abdul is aided and abetted by tho Commissioner of Police, Kadar Pasha, but so treacherous and heartless is tho foultan that when ho suspects Pasha of treason, without any proof whatsoever, he orders his execution —as a “ reward” for long and loyal service. Fritz Kortner plays, or rather lives, tho rolo of Abdul Hamid, a part which gives this great actor limitless opportunities to display his forceful acting. Nils Asther also gives what is claimed t® be his greatest performance in the role of Kadar Pasha, the Chief of Police cf Constantinople—conspirator, schemer, and murderer. Adrienne Ames, one of Hollywood’s loveliest and best-dressed stars is Therese, an Austrian dancer and singer.

The Sultan’s special command" performance in “Abdul the Damned* * represents a triumph on the part of tho B.IJ*. Art Department. A man appearing in the crowd scenes of the film told Director Karl Grune that he was once a musician, and had actually played in that very theatre in the Sultan’s Palace, and that tho reconstruction was perfect in every detail. The “command” performance is headed by Therese, the lovely Austrian dancer (played by Adrienne Ames), whose beauty has captivated Abdul Hamid. Tho Sultan later tricks Thereso into entering his harem to “save her lover from .the firing squad.”