Arabian Nights Fantasy At Regent

Northern Advocate, 15 November 1941, Page 2

Arabian Nights Fantasy At Regent

AMUSEMENTS

All the enchanting fantasy of the Arabian Nights is preserved in the “Thief of Bagdad,” which opened to a crowded and appreciative house at the Regent Theatre last night. Preconceived ideas of the escape of the genii from the bottle, flying carpets and horses and other manifestations of Oriental wizardry are enlarged upon by truly remarkable photography and effects, so that for nearly two hours the beholder is held entranced in a land of make-believe. The title role is played by the youthful Indian actor Sabu, who, from a gamin of the streets, is transformed into a dog and accompanies the cruelly wronged prince on his memorable flight from Bagdad to Basra and thence back to the great city of Tigris to claim their common inheritance. Heights of character portrayal are reached by Conrad Veidt, the tyrant usurper and possessor of the evil eye. As the Princess of Basra, sacrificed for her father's interest in mechanical toys, June Duprez introduces a strong romantic interest. Technicolour adds greatly to the atmosphere. of the story, the scenes of Oriental bazaars and palaces, shipping on the Tigris and the Arabian desert creating the effect of living oil paintings. Fittingly enough, the supporting programme includes a coloured travelogue depicting the Arabian Desert as it is today, especially the activities of the Camel Corps. The running of the Melbourne Cup is also shown.