TOWN HALL PICTURES

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2448, 5 March 1931, Page 4

TOWN HALL PICTURES

“THE DESERT SONG.” COLOURFUL ROMANCE. 1 The story of “The Desert Song” on the screen follows almost exactly that of the stage success. There is Pierre, the son of General Beribeau, officer commanding the French troops in Morocco, fighting against the Riffs. There is the leader of the Riffs, the mysterious Red Shadow, Susan and Benjamin Kidd for comic relief, the exotic dancer, Azuri, Ali Ben Ali, and all the other colourful figures. Mr John Boles leaps into favour by his admirable acting and singing as the Red Shadow. His is a. rich, robusttenor, very sweet and sympathetic, and he uses it like an artist in the “All Alone” scene, and the “Songs of the Riffs.” But his is not the only voice. Miss Carlotta King, if not an inspired Margot, sings the music charmingly, and rises ; to* considerable dramatic heights in “The Song of the Sword.” There is also a great tenor voiqe in ( a minor role, while a fine bass organ is displayed by the actor who plays Ali Ben Ali. Johnny Arthur, as Benny Kidd, and Louise Fazenda, as Susan, are very funny, and Myrna Loy, as Azuri, the native dancer, is revealing. “The Desert Song” will be screened for three nights commencing this evening. The supporting features are the very latest releases,