“THE DESERT SONG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 898, 15 February 1930, Page 16

“THE DESERT SONG”

NEXT ATTRACTION AT ST. JAMES In view of the marked popularity of the music, singing and dancing type of talking picture, the St. James Theatre management has decided to postpone the showing of the dramatic picture, “Disraeli,” and in its place present “The Desert Song,” the spectacular musical production, as their second talkie feature. “The Desert Song,” Warner Brothers’ special screen operetta, has met with' a. merited success wherever it has been shown. The story, which from its recent presentation on the stage here is well known, revolves round the picturesque figure of the Bed Shadow. This modern Robin Hood is the son of General Birabeau, in charge of the French forces in Morocco. The son has been unjustly humiliated by his fellow officers, and in revenge he plans to play a dual role, the half-witted son of the general at home, and the fearless leader of the Riffs when masquerading as the Red Shadow, in which guise he becomes a figure of glamorous romance to many, including Margot, the general’s ward. Margot is being forced irto marriage with Captain Fontaine, but at the eleventh hour the Riffs descend on the. place and carry her off. At first her indignation is very real, but later she falls under the spell of the Red Shadow. The settings are lavish, the chorus and ballet are in full strength, and the orchestral music is beautifully d by the Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra. John Boles make a great with both his singing and acting as the Red Shadow, and Carlotta King as Margot, also sings her way into favour Johnny Arthur and Louise f azenda as Benny and Susan, supply plenty of comedy, while Myrna -LiOy makes an alluring Azuri. hose who saw the play staered in Auckland will be given an unequalled themiirh*r ° f se “ lin S for themselves bettS thl diE . CUSSed question—which is better, the stage or the talkies? The speaking and singing in this picture are perfect, and the desert scenes are done on a scale that cannot possibly be even hinted at on the stage. y