PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 773, 20 September 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“THUNDERBOLT”

George Bancroft, who made such an overwhelming success of his first alltalking picture, “The Wolf of Wall

Street,” appears in a new all-talk-ing drama, “Thunderbolt,” at the Plaza Theatre this evening. Bancroft’s voice is part of the m a n himself, deep, resonant and capable * of expressing a wide range of emotions. Richard Arlen, co-featured n ‘‘Tliiinriprhnlt ” has

with Fay Wray in “Thunderbolt,” lias already made a name for himself in talking pictures. “Thunderbolt,” directed by Josef von Sternberg, maker of several successful dramas, is a gripping picture of life and love outside the law. “Thunderbolt” Jim Lang, wanted on robbery and murder charges, ventures out of hiding to take “his” girl, Ritzy, tfb a night club. Ritzy tells him that she is through with him, that she is going straight. The club is raided, “Thunderbolt” escapes. “Thunderbolt” refuses the pleas cf Ritzy to confess that he framed Bob, although he is affected when Ritzy marries Bob in the Death House. Baffled in his attempts to get his hands on Bob. however, he pretends repentance and confesses his part in Bob’s conviction. He cultivates Bob’s friendship as the boy awaits a new trial. On the night he is to die, •‘Thunderbolt” obtains permission to say good-bye to each prisoner, hoping that when he reaches Bob’s cell he will get in his deadly punch. The remainder of the programme includes a number of short talkie features, including an all-talking comedy, “Tuning In”; items on the piano by Miller and Farrell; selections by the Six Brown Boys and their jazz band; and items by Horace Britt, celebrated cellist.