THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 15

THE STRAND

“THE DESERTS TOLU 9 “The Desert’s Toll,” the second western starring vehicle of Francis McDonald, which is the current Metro-Goldw'yn-Mayer production at the Strand Theatre, gives lovers of this type of film thrills galore and a story well worth while, very ably interpreted. * McDonald, whose first western production, “The Valley of Hell,” was accorded a warm welcome by the public, has taken a fresh hold upon the public fancy, undoubtedly, with his work in “The Desert’s Toll,” perhaps because his is one of those personalities which “grows upon” one. At least, in “The Desert’s Toll,” he appears to tremendous advantage and unless this reviewer is badly mistaken, will soon be rated as one of the screen’s most popular western heroes. He is a superb horseman, and his tricks are not those in hackneyed use by all other screen westerners. McDonald’s personality, besides, is vastly different than that which western film fans have been accustomed to. He is of a virile, he-man type, at the same time possessing all the niceties and manners of a cultured easterner. The combination is well-nigh irresistible. And that gentleness of manner and his apparent culture are not assumed, it is said by those who know him personally. Kathleen Key appears to tremendous advantage as the eastern girl, and Tom Santchi, as the cold-blooded outlaw chief, is entirely adequate. Others in the notable cast are: Anna May Wong, who portrays a charming Indian girl; Big Tree, well known Indian actor; Lou Meehan and Quinn Williams. Cliff Smith is accredited with the masterly direction of the production, and the superb photography is the work of George Stevens and Jack Roach. The public is certain to welcome this unusual western feature. It has about everything.