HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 415, 25 July 1928, Page 14

HIPPODROME AND EMPRESS

“BRANDED SOMBRERO” Buck Jones in a drama of the cattle country, entitled “The Branded Sombrero,” will be shown this evening at the Hippodrome and Empress Theatres.

The story commences when John Hallett, the father of Scott and Lane Hallett, keeps a diary. The diary con-

sists of an old and battered sombrero. The sombrero is covered with brands of every description, each brand encircled by a number of dots. The deathbed confession of John Hallett casts a gloom over the Hallett household. The elder Hallett

has, in his youth, replenished his depleted stocks from the herds of his neighbours. The ranch is sold to pay off the debts, but Lane, the younger son, forgets his promise and gambles his share away. This throws the bulk of the responsibility on Buck. As each rancher is paid off Buck draws a line through the brand. Finally there is but one brand left, and Buck is reluctant to negotiate with the owner. The owner of the “Broken Bell” ranch is Connie Marsh, whom Buck loves deeply. This role is played by Leila Hyams. “Singed,” the second attraction, is a romance of the oilfields, starring Blanche Sweet. She impersonates a dance-hajl girl who becomes a millionairess overnight through an oilwell gusher. The supporting cast includes Warner Baxter and Mary McAlister.