STATE THEATRE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 14, 1 February 1937, Page 3

STATE THEATRE

tAST MEETS WEST "East Meets West,'' Gaumont-Bri-tish production starring George Arliss and directed by Herbert Mason will be screened by G-B-D at the State Theatre to-day. Here is meiodrama of a robust nature, with George Arliss giving a characteristic performance as a crafty Sultan who feplenished his exchequer t>y deft diplomacy Involving Great Britain, and an Eastern power. I)eveloped with great effect, gripping suspense and the star's personality have combined to make a rieli offering for all lovers of speetacle and drama. George Arliss appears as the Rajah of a tiny kingdom known as Renang, which, by virtue of its geographical position, is coveted by Great Britain for harbourage purposes. A powerful Eastern country also makes a bid for the Sultan's Iriendship, aud the wily potentate "plays" them hoth until he has extracted a million pounds from each. ' George Arliss plays the Sultan with relish. Def tly exploiting his famous mannerisms, he succeeds in presenting a study in the ripe Arliss vein, peppering the dialogue with characteristic quips of his own. Godfrey Tearie as the English diplomat renders yeoman support, with Romney Brent making an effective foil as the representative of the Eastern power. Lucie Mannheim is the lovely wife, Ronald Ward her drunken husband, and Ballard Berkely is a convincing princely lover. An excelent first half includes scenes at the second Test at Sydney, shots of the Henneberry-Richards fight, a comedy "Diamonds in the Rough," and a glonous coloured musical "The Waters of Minnetonka."