AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 112, 21 November 1938, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

"JERICHO” / i, To capture the sweeping African backgrounds which are such a notable feature of "Jericho,” Paul Robeson’s dramatic new starring vehicle, Walter Futter and Thornton Freeland, producer and director of the film, conducted a party 2500 miles into the, Sahara Desert. The film units returned with scenes of overwhelming splendour, one of the most sijec-tac-ulni- highlights of the film being the impressive view of the salt caravan, thousands of camels strong, which makes an annual trek across the desert and has never before been brought to the screen. A powerful drama, adapted from ah original story, by Walter Futter, the film shows Paul Robeson as Corporal "Jericho” Jackson, an American negro, who is sentenced to he shot for. murder, as a. result of an act of heroism during the Great War. The negromakes a daring and successful dash for freedom, and after countless amazing and exciting adventures, he finally becomes a tribal leader in the interior of Africa, where, after marrying the old chief’s daughter, he settles down to the task of educating his adopted people. The film provides Paul Robeson with splendid opportunities to enthral film goers anew with his magnificent voice, two delightful musical numbers, "Aly Way” and "Deep Desert”, forming an integral part of the story. The popular star is supported by a cast of exceptional talent and reputation, headed by Henry Wilcoxon, Wallace Ford and Princess Kouka—dusky little Soudanese "discovery” in her first English-speaking role. It seems sale to predict, that the beautiful Princess will in time achieve’ world stardom, for she gives a delightful dramatic performance in this, her first film.

"Jericho” will he presented at the Do Luxe Theatre To-night and 'l uesday.

ANN ABELL A IN "DINNER AT THE Rf'l’Z” Annabellu, the sensational star discovery of two continents whose activities have been important news to moviegoers everywhere since she arrived in Hollywood to- make her starring debut in the film capjt.al, is acclaimed as the loveliest thing on the screen in "Dinner at the Ritz”, New World picture release by Twentieth CenturyFox, coining next Wednesday to the Do Luxe Theatre. An a story as tensely exciting as its star is excitingly lovely, the most dangerous intrigue that ever involved a beautiful woman in Jove whirls Annal>e I la, from the brilliant salons of -Baris through the fabulous gaming rooms of Monte Carlo toi a luxurious private yacht on the Alediterranean. Paul Lukas.- David Niven and Romney .Brent- are featured in the cast.

Shortly after the apparent suicide of a Parisian hanker, an event which precipitates a financial panic, a gay adventuress turns up at the famous Monte Carlo resort, playing the dangerous game 01. tracking down tne banker’s enemies. A lovely carol roe girl one day. Annahella is ‘.he daring adventuress the next, lor the Danker was her father. Annahella traces each elusive clue until, as the guest ot the ringleader aboard Ids private yacht, she finds the information leading to a last-paced action-filled climax. In the background ol the thriliuig story Haul Lukas and David Niven supply added romantic interest. 'as they vie for the love oi Annahella. A Robert T. Kane production, “Dinner at the Kitz” was directed by Harold I). Schuster. Roland Pertwec and Romney Hrent wrote the screen piay, and the cast also includes Francis L. Sullivan, Stewart Koine, Norah Swinburne and Tyre!l Davis.