ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 989, 4 June 1930, Page 17

ST. JAMES

“DISRAELI” A well-conceived plot, combined with excellent character portrayal, makes “Disraeli,” the current attraction, now in its third week at the St. James Theatre, a successful example of the transference of an historical play to the talking screen. Dealing with the purchase of the Khedive’s shares in the Suez Canal, the story shows Disraeli, as Prime Minister, struggling against the opposition of the Bank of England and the intrigues of Russian agents. Included In the production is a love story. Lady Clarissa, an admirer of Disraeli, will not marry Charles Deeford, a young man of position and wealth, and an opponent of Disraeli, because he is not a man of action. The means by which he proves himself furnish an interesting element to the story. George Arliss, who has the principal part, gives a finished performance, while the supporting cast well sustains the high standard of acting. Entertaining supports are also shown. Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Chisholm, Dorothy Dalton, Joe E. Brown, Joseph Macauley and Zasu Pitts are now in the cast of “Bride 66,” Arthur Hammerstein’s first musical film for United Artists, in which new music composed by Rudolph Friml will be heard for the first time.