WESTERN TALKIE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 866, 9 January 1930, Page 14

WESTERN TALKIE

“THE WAGON MASTER’’ ROXY’S PROGRAMME Ken Maynard re-creates a littleknown phase of the history of the old American West in “The Wagon Master,” an all-talking picture which opened at the Roxy Theatre yesterday. Old cowboy songs and dialogue are a feature of the production. In this film Maynard lives up to the reputation he has made for himself as tho ace of western stars. ITis picture has action from the word “go” and has a most romantic and colourful atmosphere throughout. “The Wagon M&ster” pays tribute to a class of men who played a prominent part in the winning of the West to civilisation, and who have received small notice for their work. These were the wagon freighters, who hauled supplies to isolated mining camps and army posts when transportation was a matter of the utmost danger and difficulty. In the picture, Maynard heads a wagon train that seeks to break a monopoly held by the grasping and unscrupulous Jake Lynch. Every effort is made by Lynch to keep the supply wagons of “The Rambler,” played by Maynard, from getting through to the mining camp of Gold Hill, which is being throttled by the high prices charged for Lynch’s supplies. Romantic interest is well sLipplied by attractive Edith Roberts, in the role of Sue. whose hand is sought by both “The Rambler” and the treacherous Jacques Frazelle, portrayed by A 1 Ferguson. One of the most thrilling scenes of the picture is a whip fightwaged in a dance hall by “The Rambler” and Frazelle. Maynard and his famous horse “Tarzan” supply plenty of excitement in the way of riding tricks. There is plenty of fighting of every variety and there is no slow moment in the entire picture. Maynard has never been seen to better advantage. The entire cast performs in splendid fashion. Edith Roberts makes a most charming heroine. An exceptionally interesting range of short talking and singing featurettes were also presented at the Roxy yesterday.