ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 977, 21 May 1930, Page 17

ST. JAMES

“DISRAELI” After putting up a record for a motion picture in Christchurch, “Disraeli” has now entered on wliat promises to be an equally phenomenal season here. , “Disraeli” is the talking screen’s first attempt at historical drama and it emphasises the vast possibilities of this type of film. George Arliss’s portrayal of Disraeli —that shrewd and ambitious British Prime Minister—runs the gamut of characterisation. Now he is sardonic, now apprehensive. A turn of the wheel of chance and his carefully-laid plans miscarry. An unexpected move on the chessboard of politics, and Russia may reach out and wrest the coveted Suez Canal Intrigue, counter-intrigue, romance, strategy—George Arljss brings out the nuance of each passing emotion of the mysterious super-statesman, Disrael i.

Such a masterpiece of acting is that of George Arliss that one is apt to disregard the other characters. It is their uniform excellence that makes tke film complete. The most pedantic listener could not find faVlt with their diction and enunciation. ‘’Disraeli” is a triumph for the all-British cast and also for Warner Bros., the producers, who have been content to weave romance around historical fact, instead of the usual American way of weaving history’ around the story. The supporting programme includes one or two talkie comedies, an overture by the Vita.phone Orchestra, and .songs by Charles Hackett.