AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1929, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

IVERYBODYB PICTURES. “ CALIFORNIA OR BUST ” -TO-NIGHT. - George O’Hara is one off the few fortunate screen players whose popularity increases with each new picture,, and his' latest F. 8.0. release, “ California or Bust,” which will be shown to-night at the Princess Theatre, -is one of the reasons for this increase. O’Hara’s immensely likeable personality and his versatile and expressive acting ability are much, in evidence in this new production. The story was written by Byron Morgan, who, did the racing tales for the late Wallace Reid as well as Bed Grange’s recent picture, and has a breath-taking auto race along dangerous mountain roads as its thrilling climax, While primarily an : automobile story, there is an abundance of comedy and romance intermingled with it to make a well balanced film, and the enthusiasm of audiences proves that it is appreciated. Helen Foster, a new screen “ find,” who was recently signed by F. 8.0. to a' long-term contract, makes an appealing heroine, and Johnny Fox, the»“ banjo kid ” of “ The Covered-Wagon,” and yvh.o .will\ ( be, reipembered in “‘Laddie,” supplies liilich of the ifun. . John Steppling as the millionaire automobile manufacturer, and Irving Bacon as the rival. Much credit is elite to the director, .Phil' Rosen', for his splendid handling of the story vahies ?nd the suspense of the climax. Snapping with the speed' and action that has characterised George O’Harals yecejit productions for F. 8.0., liis newest release to be shown to-night at the Princess Theatre , and: has proved itself even better than his former efforts. In a if a st-moving automobile story by Byron. Morgan, who wrote many of the liite Wallace Reid’s motor car films, t-s well as the Red Grange story, O’Hara has plenty of opportunity to make a delightful characterisation as well as j to indulge in some thrilling stunts during the high-powered climax. A topical and comedy will also be presented.