AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1930, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S pictures.

“THE GREAT DIVIDE.”

ALL TALKING AND SINGING

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

The West has rarely bieen the background for a. more colourful and stirring romance than that depicted in “The Great Divide,” the hirst National .Vt'Uiphoue production, which opens to-night at the Princess Theatre. Dorothy Mackaill is the bright particular star. Those who rememoer “The Great Divide” as a play will find the dramaic stage vehicle, which enjoyed, popularity for many years in the United States and Europe, heightened m suspense and action in this nll-dialogtue V’ita.phone talkie. A number of tuneful songs liave been injected into the scenes, surprising those, who never could have believed that the play would lend itself so admirably to music. The picture at some moments assumes the rhythm and harmony of an operetta, especially" in a big fiesta that takes place in Mexico. But the audition, is brought back to the story with kick' adroitness and skill that no one realises the digression. Stephen Ghent, played by lan Keith, sings the melodious theme song, “At the End of the Lonsonie Trail,” and displays a. fine voice. Myrna Loy sings “Si, Si Senor,” another tuneful number. The story does mot demand a singing role front Dorothy' Mackaill, the star, but this charming actress portrays one of the most sensational parts she has undertaken on the screen. >She is a flapper who has grown up. She is sophisticated, pleasure-seeking, . and with few (thrills left to experience. She is the life of a wild party on a West-bound train wjhich endis when she is kidnapped by a fake caballero in old Mexico. After wandering with him for many days through the beautiful Arizona country she learns to love him. Later she protects him from the law that has pursued them through mountains and desert. The plot is strong and realistic, in keeping with the scenic grandeur of the locale. Miss MactiaiJl’s role is of the type in which she had such great success in recent pictures,/ It is a new theatrical experience to hear hard-boiled wisecracks come from sudli a (beautiful creature aa Dorothy. Myrna Loy, as a half-caste Mexican girl, gives an exotic portrayal. It is the same kind oTf part she took in “The Squall.” The east is unusually good, .the voices all. registering well. Among, the players are Creighton Hale, Lucien ILittlefield, Roy Stewart, James Ford, Jean Lorraine and Claude Grilling/ water. The handsome lon Keith performs excellently' as Miss Mackaill’s' leading man. Also big supporting programme.

Prices: Circle, 3s 3d; Stalls, 2s •Children (under 12), downstairs, 6d