GRAND THEATRE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 199, 15 April 1932, Page 3

GRAND THEATRE

TO-NIGHT The wistful appeal of Ann Harding stands out as the vivid spot of "Girl of the Golden West," which opened last night at the Grand Theatre. The story of this First National and Vitaphone feature was taken from David Belasco's powerful stage drama, bearing the same name. The story itself has all the Belasco dramatic power. It is set in the gold rush era of California, one of the most colourful periods in American history, but essentially it is a story of a love, and the regeneration of a man through the efforts of a woman. Minnie is the owner of a saloon in a mining town, a girl adored by all the rough miners, and especially by Jack Rance, the sheriff. However, Minnie does not return this feeling. On the other hand, she instantly falls in love with the dashing Dick Johnson, who mysteriously rides into town. He is a "bad man," and is planning to rob Minnie's saloon, which also serves as a depository for the miners' gold dust. Johnson really is Ramirrez, the notorious road-agent, who is being sought from one end of California to the other, by the ever-vigilant agents of the Wells-Fargo express. James Rennie is highly effective as .Johnson, and gives a performance that is convincing in its sincerity. He plays the role with restraint which serves as a most effective foil for Miss Harding's naivete and simple charm. Miss Harding, as Minnie, undoubtedly portrays one of the most excellent and powerful roles m her screen career. The picture is colourfully set against the outdoor background of the Sierra Nevadas, in the gold country of the wild and lawless West.