TALKIE MILESTONE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 762, 7 September 1929, Page 14

TALKIE MILESTONE

“THE BLACK WATCH’’ A GREAT SUCCESS INSPIRING PRODUCTION Undoubtedly one of the most inspiring British pictures yet produced is “The Black Watch,” an all-talking Fox picture that was screened at the Strand last evening. And it was made at Hollywood. Here undoubtedly is marked another milestone in the motion picture irfdustry. Not only has artistry been happily combined with almost technical perfection, but out of America has come a production that anywhere would pass as 90 per cent. British. It is the story of “King—of the Ivhyber Rifles,” a novel by Talbot Mundy, I that will surely bo read in Auckland during the next few weeks as it has never been read before. Tlio officers of a Highland regiment are dining together on the eve of their departure fo.r France. The toast is “The King,” and the metallic ring comes through tlie screen with inspiring realism as on© by one the crystal goblets crash into splinters along the mess table. One of tlicir number, Captain King, is detailed for special duty in India. His mission is to defeat a plot hatched among the hill tribes above tlio Kliyber Pass to invade India. He is sworn to secrecy, and part of his task is to leave his regiment on the eve of active service under suspicion of cowardice. From the officers’ mess of the 42nd Highlanders, and from Whitehall and Waterloo station, where the hero sees his regiment entrain, tlie story flashes to a border town in India, near the Ivhyber Pass.—the dreaded back door of India. A muezzin calls from a spiry minaret and tiny bells tinkle as camel trains press through the teeming streets. In gloriously rich tones comes the voice of a mad mullah in the Cave of Echoes, up in the hills above the pass, exhorting the followers of the White Goddess to sweep down at the appointed hour. There also is King, of the Ivhyber Rifles, who in a tale of heroism and high adventure defeats the plot to invade the vulnerable northwest frontier. There also is set the story of tlio White Goddess, who risked an empire for a kiss —and lost. MUSIC OF THE HEART There is no jazz in “The Black Watch,” of “King—of tlie Kliyber Rifles,” as the picture should be named. But there is the music of tlie pipes so wonderfully recorded in “Bonnie Dundee” and "Blue Bonnets Over the Border,” and men’s voices rich and poignant lifted in “Auld Lang Syne” and other songs of Scotland. It is music that adds intensity to a story of high dramatic merit. Victor McLaglen plays the role of Captain Donald King. He plays to perfection the type of hard-working, conscientious British officer, concerned only in doing his job. He lias carefully avoided American exaggeration, and liis restraint gives added strength to a powerful role. Miss Myrna Loy is the seductive Yasmini, and the role is in very capable hands. Both the stars speak English devoid of twang. The speaking throughout is of a very high standard, particularly that of the fanatical priest, who harangues the hillmcn in the Cave of Echoes. Spoken in perfect English, and with telling emphasis, every word comes clear and distinct. Another very fine role is that of the Indian officer, a tall bearded Sikli, who very artistically combines the business of prayer and war. The supporting cast is particularly strong, even the smallest parts being entrusted to capable speaking actors. The battle scenes are most effectively staged, and form a vivid contrast to the Indian portion of the story. Tlie photography and tlie musical effects are also of an exceptionally high standard. “The Black Watch” is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and effective talking pictures yet made. A highly successful season in Auckland is assured.