Radio review – CP#15 - “Beau Geste” (1939) ***

Orson Welles overshadowed his co-stars in his films so often, even the ones that centred around male friendship (eg Joseph Cotten, Ray Collins) it’s a nice change to see him matched with an actor of equal stature – Laurence Oliver, who plays John Geste to Welles’ Beau. This is an enjoyable 45 minute version of the classic tale. It doesn’t have any time to breathe or even really evoke the atmosphere and mystery which are always the best things about the book and film version. The final Arab attack is effective and Welles has a good scene; the character of Digby is thrown away (he’s given a “ps Digby died” ending). Noah Beery is effective as the villainous sergeant.