AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1927, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS’ PICTURES N “THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD.” One of the greatest disasters to overtake any section of land or community was “The Johnstown Flood,” which ravished the fruitful Gonomaugh Valley on May 31st, 1839, which has been faithfully reproduced in a spectacular motion-picture by Fox Films, to bo shown at the Princess Theatre tonight. While the great flovd. which took terrible toll of human lives and property damage at that time, was the most uncontrolled terror of civilisation, there is lif) doubt but what the awful happening did much towards bringing about a safer condition for the coming generations. Following the great Johnstown calamity there was a concentrated effort on the part of the government and private individuals to

further the safety in dam construction. Protective measures of all descriptions

were passed upon by governmental snlons. Dams throughout the country, thought safe up to that time, were inspected and strengthened, and in sonic instances replaced by new structures. Poe was right when he held that many things remain long secrets by reason of their very simplicity. For 0000 years steam biased and fumed in men’s faces and tilted the kettle lid before they learned its expansive powed. For 0000 years lightning flamed

and roared before man realised it could be made one of his obedient servants. And so tbe simple expedient of making dams holding the great waters safe by scientific construction instead of blind trust was brought about by the great disaster. After the Johnstown flood, caused by a dam which bad been stamped ns safe year after year by inspectors, mail learned of the

great devastating power of the unleashed waters and took steps to insure future safety. All of the grim shocking truth of the calamity has been realistically produced by Irving Cummings, tbe director, in the film. Surrounding this great theme is a dramatic story of intense action played by George O’Brien, Janet Gaynor, Florence' Gilbert, Anders Bandolf. Paul Nicholson, Paid Panzer and Walter Perry.