IN THE POLAR WASTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 828, 23 November 1929, Page 15

IN THE POLAR WASTES

IH. B. WARNER AND MONTE BLUE IN “CONQUEST” FINE TALKIES AT PLAZA South Pole exploration has intrigued the imagination of humanity for generations and the universal interest in the intrepid Commander Byrd and his men, in their air flight to~ those vast silences no doubt gave Warner Bros, the idea of creating this epic of polar exploration “Conquest” which opened last night at the Plaza Theatre. It is well known that Monte Blue, vho stars as the pilot of an airship

hound to the South Pole, is an ardent amateur flyer. His piloting of the huge plane is proof that his part is not all play-acting. H. B. Warner is cast as the navigator. The two set out. leaving behind them the girl whom they both love, and to whom Overton is betrothed.

During 1 the hazardous ' flight the jealousy of the navigator overcomes his lifelong friendship for the pilot, and he inwardly plans to do away with him. When the plane is wrecked lie leaves the injured pilot, makes his way back to civilisation, tells the girl that Overton is dead, and finally marries her. It is months before Overton, half crazed from the sufferings he has gone through, returns. Finally a second expedition is formed, the two men again set out as the crew of the airship. Further desperate dangers, conflicts of will and weather, bring the story to an unexpected and thrilling climax. It is the most forceful presentation j of the dangers experienced by the dar- ‘ ing explorers, such as Scott, i Shackleton, Byrd and Wilkins, who risk their lives for the advancement | of science and to plant the flag amid j the wastes of the long sought South Pole. Monte Blue is magnificent as the ; pilot, who, while not making the material conquest he seeks —is victorious over evil powers within himself. H. B. Warner’s tragic portrayal of a man torn by conflicting passions and finally taking the one means of escape, is deeply moving. Lois Wilson is charming as the third of the eternal triangle. The making of “Conquest.” which is an all-talkie. was a heroic task, heroically carried out by producers, actors and director. Easily the chief among the supporting talkie items was the sound record of the Trooping of the Colours of the j Horse Guards Parade on the last i King’s Birthday. The massed bands | came out particularly clearly. Other ! features were songs by the Honolulu j Boys, songs by a Chinese jazz boy, ! Joe Mong, and the latest edition of the Paramount Sound News.