STATE THEATRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 220, 17 August 1937, Page 3

STATE THEATRE.

“HOLLYWOOD COWBOY.”

Lovers, of westerns set against scenic backgrounds, with plenty of fast action, wholesale, comedy and outdoor, romance, will find unusual enjoyment in George O’Brien’s newest RKO Radio vehicle, “Hollywood Cowboy,” an ultra-modern western which screens to-night at the Stato Theatre in conjunction with tho daring crime drama, “We Who Arc About to Die.” Presumably "set in the picturesque Wyoming plains, the story has al. the elements to make it good family fare. George O’Brien gives more than his usual share of skilful horsemanship while playing the role of a Hollywood cowbody star who returns to his natural element —the wide, open spaces. While vacationing in Lie cattle* country with a friend, a pretty girl’s sniile tempts him to hide his identity, and go to work for her aunt as a hard-riding cowboy. Ho is further motivated by the fact that a gang of city thugs have invaded . the range and arc carrying on u ruthless reign of terror against the cattle* Dion in an attempt to shake thorn down for alleged 'protection against cowboy strikes, 'i lie girl, played by Cecilia Parker, and lier aunt, Maude Eburnc, aro selected as tho next victims of outiage, and after their herd of cattle is stampeded by a gangster’s aeroplane, O’Brjeri launches a counter-campaign with the aid of a Hollywood stunt flier. Ilis plans are handicapped, however, by tho girl discovering certain evidence that loads her to believe him a desperado, which is merely tho role he is playing in a new picture, and she dismisses him from tho ranch. Undeterred, O’Brien and his buddy launch their attack, and after a thrilling aerial battle and invasion of the gangsters’ hideout, tho outlaws arc brought to justice and O r ßrieu’s romance is happily culminated. O’Brien lias never been seen to better advantage on the screen, while pretty Cecelia Parker acquits herself im admirable fashion. Maudo Eburne, Joe Gaits. Charles Middleton and Frank Milan aro other members of tho cast wl.io turn in commendable performances.

FRANK NEIL’S REVUE. A colourful presentation, Frank Neil’s Coronation Revue is to commence a season at the Opera House of two nights on Friday next'. This production, which has met with considerable success in all the principal cities of Australia, is under the direction of J. 0. Williamson, Ltd. It introduces artists of outstanding talent from the leading vaudeville companies of America and Europe. At the head -of tho list of players is Con Colleano, one of tho most capablo acrobats of his time. His performance has been a feature of productions in all parts of tho world. Another prominent artist is Irene Vermillion, an American acrobatic dancer, who, with her four girl Dart Trumpeters, presents one of tho most spectaculur acts seen on tho stage in New Zealand for some considerable time. Tho leading comedian in “Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue” is Charles Norman, who has scored a number of remarkable successes in musical comedy productions in England. Jack Kellaway and Chic Arnold also appear in comedy roles. On the musical side of the production numerous bright tunes aro contributed by the talented American musicians Sisson and Neale. Adagio dancing of a high standard is supplied by tho Aristos, while the Harris sisters present an amazing balancing act. The company come direct from a phenomenally successful' season in Auckland, where the Press and public unanimously 'acclaimed it as the “greatest collection of world-famed vaudeville stars ever seen in one combination.” The box vlans, open on Wednesday, at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghamo’s.