SILKS AND SADDLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 707, 5 July 1929, Page 14

SILKS AND SADDLES

! “THOROUGHBREDS,” EXCITING FILM AT TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S A deft and skilful combination of romance, comedy, pathos and action, told in scenes that are both thrilling and beautiful, makes “Thoroughbreds.” the Universal production which opened last evening at the Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres, one of the most entertaining photoplays of the season. “Thoroughbreds” is a picturisation of “the sport of kings.” It is filled with scenes of the turf and the many events

that lead up to the running of an important horse race. The story does not hesitate to expose the evil phase of the sport, made up by the gambler parasites w li o live off the ra< es. Gerald Beaumoijt, a noted American sport writer, was the author.

Some of the most thrilling scenes of racing horses ever filmed provide much of the interest and also the tremendous climax. Marion Nixon, who plays her first starring role in this picture, and Richard Walling carry the love interest. Both give excellent performances and the romance sequences are exceedingly well handled by the pair. “Thoroughbreds” is the story of a young jockey who is induced to “throw” an important race he is expected to win, through the influence of a beautiful adventuress. He is found out and disgraced, but through the unfailing efforts of his former sweetheart, whom he has deserted, he is given another chance. He makes good by winning a big race and is restored to the favour of the racing public and his first sweetheart. Mary Nolan enacts the role of the glittering accomplice and Otis Harlan scores in a comedy role. Excellent supporting pictures are also shown, headed by a fascinating Continental film. This is “A Knight of Nights,” a story of Parisian life interpreted by a cast of new but certainly capable screen players.

At the Tivoli Theatre Miss M. Anderson’s Orchestra played “Boccaccio” for the overture, and the following incidental selections: “Master Melodies” (Roberts), “Sybil” (Jacobi), “Mo.szkowskiana” (Moszkowski), “Scenes Poetiques” (Godard), “Sleeping Beauty” (Rhode), “Intermezzo (Granados). “Bolero” (Verdi). “La Sourer Ballet Suite” (Delibes), “La Juive” (Kretchner), "Canzonetta” (O’Donnell). “Czardas” (Gungl) and “The Sicilian Vespers” (Verdi).