“DISRAELI”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 971, 14 May 1930, Page 14

“DISRAELI”

COMING TO THE ST. JAMES On Friday ‘Disraeli” begins its Auckland season at the St. James Theatre “Disraeli” is the talking screen’s first attempt at historical drama, and the acting, speaking and reproduction throughout are well-nigh perfect. The story concerns the activities of the famous British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, in carrying the greatest project of his life to success —the purchase of the “ditch in the sand,” the Suez Canal, which preserved India for England from the clutches of Imperial Russia. Refused by the Bank of England. Disraeli had to seek other means of getting the money to buy the shares of Egypt in the canal. Throughout he was dogged by spies, and he had ta be always on the alert in a contest of wits. As Disraeli. George Arliss is magnificent. His wife, as Lady Beaconsfield. is a living figure of love and Joan Bennett. Ivan Simpson, David Torrance Dorothy Lloyd and Anthony Bushell play their parts more than capably. MUNICIPAL CONCERTS Continuing the above series of concerts the Municipal Band will present a brilliant programme of band « S . oo J numbe r s in tbe Town Hail on Saturday evening next at 8 o’clock. Vocal items will be contributed by Mrs Hal McLennan, with Miss Gordon at idtJrtfsed. B ° okins arrangements are