AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1929, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODYS PICTURES.

“ COJ)E OF THE SCARLET” —TO-NIGHT.

For any one tiling to hold the interest of the public for any length of time, it must have a basic principle underlying it, claims Ken Maynard, western star of the motion picture “Code of the Scarlet,” coming to the Princess Theatre to-night. In making this statement, Maynard has in mind Ihe western type of picture, which was not only among the first themes of screen enterta’.iment, but to-day ranksamong the leaders. The reason is the basic idea that the western hero typifies the average outdoor man. The rider, with his chaps, wide Stetson hat, and six-shooter, presents a romantic appeal, not only as the westerner, but as the pathfinder, the settler df a new country. The men who actually followed such a life m the’early days were fearless, Self-preservation was the first law of the hand. It was the beginning of an era when brain and brawn were combined to combat nature and eke out an existence. Such men were typical Westerners. It was not so long ago that they roamed the west but that they are still remembered. This, according to Maynard, is the prime reason for the popularity of the western picture to-day. Ken is never shown smoking, drinking, or conducting himself on the screen in a manner unworthy of imitation by his youthful f'lis. According to psychologists and professors of scholastic reform, the western type of picture has a decided effect on the mind, not only of the youngsters, but of their elders as well. There is something about the clean sweep of the outdoors, the thrilling plots and fast action df the-Maynard pictures, that fascinates the public as no other type of entertainment can. With all of these things in mind, both Charles R. Rogers, producer of the Maynard productions for First National Pictures, and Harry J. Brown, director of “ Code of the Scarlet,” set to work to make this picture a super-Maynard film. Thev have woven a fast, clean and thrilling production that will please everyone. It has a remarkably beautiful scenic background. A topical, scenic and comedy will also be included in to-night’s display. Coming Friday: Lillian Gish in “The Enemy.”