LAWLESS MUSHROOM TOWN

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 5

LAWLESS MUSHROOM TOWN

With Errol Flynn in the type of dashing role that had ‘ Dodge City ’ breaking records, and Miriam Hopkins awarded the important leading role on the strength of her fine performance in ‘ The Old Maid,’ Warner Brothers’ ‘ Virginia City ’ promises to h© one of the major attractions of the season. Th© background of the film is a page out of America’s most gripping historical era, the West during the Civil War. The sotting is the colourful, lawless, “mushroom” mining town, Virginia City, during its rowdiest days. The theme recounts an authentic episode which has been adeptly woven into -a moving screen play. Michael Curtiz, one of Hollywood’s most skilful directors, filmed the production. As a Union Intelligence officer, Errol Flynn is sent to the new Virginia City Jo track down a gold shipment intended

for the Confederacy, sent by Southern sympathisers in Nevada. His romance with the queen of Nevada’s dancehalls, Julia Haynes—Miss Hopkins’s role—is short-lived when the girl has him kidnapped, and he learns that she is a Confederate spy.

Ha is taken prisoner on the Southern gold caravan, led by Randolph Scott. "When attacked by bandits, led by a notorious guerrilla, portrayed by Humphrey Bogart, Flynn outwits the band aud saves the caravan. He refuses to surrender the gold, claiming it belongs to the men who mined it. Held for court martial, it is news of the war’s end that exonerates him in the ©yes of the North, the South, and Julia Haynes. The impressive supporting cast includes such seasoned players as Alan Hale, Frank M'Hugh, Guinn “ Big Boy ” Williams, and John Intel.