ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “SANDERS OF THE RIVER” There is an emotional quality and an artistic appeal about “Sanders of the River,” the splendid London Films production now screening at the Regent Theatre, which raise it head and shoulders above the general run of pictures. Supreme heights of acting and direction, combined with a very satisfying story and the wonderful singing of Paul Robeson, raise it to the pinnacle of film entertainment. Many critics considered that the “Sanders” books were the best that the late Mr Edgar Wallace wrote. Certainly their appeal was universal, and the peculiarly arresting features of the narrative have been admirably transplanted to the screen. Leslie Banks takes the part of Sanders, a Resident Commissioner in Nigeria, who after 20 years of toil and self-sacrifice has brought peace to the teeming jungles so that the warring negro tribes along the great river have, waxed prosperous. “Sandi,” as he is called by the natives, maintains law and order single-handed among thousands because he is loved, feared and respected. By none is he more loved than by Bosambo (Paul Robeson), the fine, strong, intelligent chief of the Ochori tribe. Paul Robeson is a commanding and a likeable figure, a giant in stature but rhythmic in movement. Nina Mae McKinney is splendid as Lilongo, the dainty black beauty. She, too, sings a haunting lullaby. Leslie Banks is ideally suited for the part of Sanders, for he portrays a quiet, even but forceful personality, a civil servant whose service to his King has its counterpart in many far flung outposts of the Empire. The supporting programme is full of variety and provides an excellent foil for the feature film.