HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 72, 16 June 1927, Page 17

HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS

TWO BIG FEATURES “The greatest dog picture ev*»r made.” That is the general opinion of critic s who have viewed Fox Films version of “Wings of the Storm,” featuring Thunder, the marvellous new police dog star, now on the silver screen at the Hippodrome and Empress Theatres. In the human drama the central figures are Reed Howes, noted western star; Virginia Brown Fair*. immortalised in the minds of playgoers ;.x Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan,” and William Russell, one of the most popular “heavies” in pictures. The story of “Wings of the Storm” was adapted for the screen by Dorothy Yost and L. G. Rigby from the mag;/ zine story, “The Runt,” by Lawrenc W. Pedrose. The film was diret te«l by J. G. Blystone, noted Fox Films director.

It tells the story of a dog s life a*id his reaction to outdoor life and kind treatment. Born the runt of a iittfr of thoroughbred police dog puppies, h*senses he is not wanted in the kennels of his owner, Anita Baker, millionaire sportswoman (Miss Faire) and wanders off into the forest where he makes friends with Allan Gregory, the forest ranger (Mr. Howes). The runt literally ‘adopts” the forest ranger, and under his tuition gradually grows into a beautiful specimen of police dog. By natural selection, the runt limit's with White Fawn, a fine pure whit" police dog of the nearby lumber camp. Eventually she presents him with * litter of husky puppies—not a runt among them. With his ascent to parenthood, a greater nobility of character is delineated. Fears vanish and new ambitions come to the runt. H** becomes bold, fearless and eager to h** up and doing, eager to protect and defend those he loves.

Later on when Anita goes '•» Uie lumber camp to check up on Martin, the superintendent (Mr. Russell) whom she mistrusts, the runt is given ample opportunity to fulfill his ambitions. “Wings of the Storm.” in short, is a remarkable study of dog psychoiog\ . It has romance, intrigue, thrills - plenty, and a world of comedy, in keeping with all Blystone productions. In addition to the above film UpHippodrome Theatre has procured tin picture version of Elenore. Meherih’s novel, “Sandy.” This film was banned by the Australian censor, but Was passed by the New Zealand censor, who recommended it for exhibition to adults only.

“Bluebeard's Seven Wives” vt ill be the second feature at the Empress.