WESTERN DRAMA.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18902, 18 January 1927, Page 11

WESTERN DRAMA.

A VARIED PROGRAMME. AT THE QUEEN'S THEATRE. Two big Western pictures head the hill at the Queen's Theatre this week. "A Western Adventurer" is a drama abounding in exciting incidents, many of which are entirely new to thia type of pioture. The story strikes an original note in Western drama when Bud Kane, who is escaping after robbing a bank, rides his horse on to tho wing of an aeroplane, and ia carried to a great height. He is fired at, and horse and rider fall many feet into a river. Throughout, the story strives after originality, and attains it, undoubtedly setting a new standard for the Western production. William Fairbanks plays the title role, and is assisted by Misa. Lamont, who ia all the Western heroine should be. The story is set in wild country, the out-of-door scenes being woll selected. The picture is full of action, and it deals solely with the West, where a man's life depends upon his ability to use a gun. There is not a dull moment, for one exciting incident leads to another, and the climax is as thrilling as it. is unexpected The other Western feature, "The Firebrand," is a oomedy-drama of exceptional merit. The hero, Franklyn Farnum, who owns a small ranch, is about to be run off his place by the father of his sweetheart, when he assists in the recapture of an escaped prisoner. He is instrumental in discovering cattle thieves, who have been robbing the stock of his intended father-in-law. The hero leads an exoiting chase after the- fugitives, and captures them in a novel and convincing manner. He shoots a highpowered electric wire, which falls over a fence through which the outlaws have to pass. When they reach the fence they are held by the current, but before an arrest is made the wire is cut by workmen, and the outlaws escape. They are all recaptured by a surprise attack, and the hero is successful in clearing the cattle thieves out of the country. The father of the girl gives his consent to the marriage, only to find that the two are already married. Ruth Ltngdon is the true type of out-of-door girl, and ably assists Franklyn Farnum in the production of a. thrilling 'picture of the West, with plenty of amusing diversion. The programme comprises four other productions *«> di» one of the most varied screened in Christcliurch for some time. The other features are two comedies, "Stage Struck Slim" and "Marriage Lis*," a scenic picture of' New Zealand, and a "Topical Budget World'* News." An excellent musical programme is supplied by the Queen's Orchestra.