"THE IRON HORSE."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18906, 22 January 1927, Page 8

"THE IRON HORSE."

AN IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION,

QUEEN'S THEATRE, MONDAY,

Of all the film critics, of New York, no one's opinions aud criticisms are more valued than those of Martin Quinn, of the "Na*v York World."- Writing of "The Iron Horse," tho Fox production to be presented at the Queen's Theatre next week, he said: "It is a big achievement," and when- ono analyses, these.-words as coming from a seasoned critic, they speak volumes for the picture under, review. "Tho Iron Horse" is something far above the ordinary picture, superior to it not only in Btory and plot, but in direction, development, and acting. It is wonderfully intelligent, evenin its moments of melodrama, an essential ingredient to so thrilling and captivating a tale. It is intriguing, it is engrossing, even though it traces a page o£ forgotten history. And if 'its drama so grips, its humour will delight, its romance will fascinate, its-pathos will appeal. To construct a successful play, it-is supremely necessary-.] to employ these attributes, but there are some producers who think that a continent for a background, with the primeval savage for atmosphere, with the angry spoutings of Naturo for sensationalism, could afford to dispense with the gentler aspects of life. But the producers of "The Iron Horse' have thought otherwise, and wisely, too. Though it is an- heroic epic, a dedication, as it were, to the men and women who pioneered the first transcontinental railroad I in America, it combines with its sterner stuff a deftness of touch, a lightness of comedy, together with a pleasant romance wtichbalances evenly the entire artistic construction. In such a story a dull moment is impossible. From the moment that _ the full significance of the plot is made manifest the entire sympathy aud attention of the spectator is involved in its development, every sense alive to the merest detail, wholly given over to the delight of watching what is, without doubt, the most entertaining story ever written for popular cdmcation. Deeds of bravery and daring have always tempted the figurative appetite of picture patrons, particularly when they are reproductions of"events which occurred not so long ego, and "The Iron Horse" is just such a series of thrilling and courageous exploits, interspersed with the snatched romance, the fitful pathos, and spontaneous humour of a period when the human comedy was being played upon an organ with the solemn stops out. It is produced amid surroundings more grand than beautiful, adhering throughout to history and tradition. Heading the long and distinguished cast are George O'Brien and Madge Bellamy, two players who give of their best in this picture. The second film on the programme is "Shooting Straight," a virile melodrama of tho west, which is enhanced by some magnificent scenery. The box plans are at Webley's, where seats may be reserved.