STRAND THEATRE

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17995, 14 April 1930, Page 3

STRAND THEATRE

“THE DESERT SONG.’ 1 « * STIRRING MUSICAL PLAY. “The 'Desert Song,” as a stage attraction, was a tremendous success, and the talkie version, presented at i the Strand Theatre on Saturday ! night, proved equally satisfying- As was only to be expected, Ihe theatre was crowded, and many people had to be turned away. The screen version of “The Desert Song,” allows for even greater scope than that of the stage show. Where on the stage one saw a painted canvas, on the screen one sees the real desert and has conveyed to him the true aspec's denied on the stage by its limitations. One sees the moun- '■ ted Riffs in action while hearing as well their stirring chorus, sees the rocky mountain pass which is their retreat and is brought into the closest (ouch with reality that modern methods have been able to achieve. In many of the scenes technicolour has been used with pleasing effect. The story is well known. The hero is a young Frenchman, who, in order lo assist the cause of the oppressed desert tribesmen in French Morocco, disguises himself in red robes and places himself at the head of a large hand of natives. He loves the ward I of his father, the commander of a I French outpost, making advances lo i her alternately as the Red Shadow and in his own person. The action quickens when he refuses to flight a duel with his father for her possession and the interest is well maintained until the dramatic climax. It would be difficult to imagine a better choice for the role of the Red Shadow than John Boles- Not only is he a convincing actor, with a likeable personality, but he sings particularly -weil, and the beautiful solos which fall to his lot receive full justice. Carlotta King, as Margot Bonvalet, also has a splendid voice that records perfectly, and though there is a certain artificiality in personality, she makes a success of the role. The comedy is in the capable hands of Louise Fayenda and Johnny Arthur, while the dramatic role of the dancer Azuri is played by Myrna Loy. The many musical gems with which “The Resert Song” is studded roused the audience to enthusiasm. As in the stage' version the work of the male chorus is particularly stirring.