STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“ALWAYS GOODBYE.

Tonight the leading attraction at the State Theatre, “Always Goodbye," will be finally shown. “OWD BOB." “Owd Bob," the new Gainsborough picture which will be shown tomorrow at the State Theatre, is a modern adaptation of Alfred Ollivant's famous novel, which made such an enthralling and picturesque film in the silent days. It introduces to the screen that grand Scottish actor, Will Fyffe, in his first dramatic and starring role. He is seen as the surly farmer, Adam McAdam, hated and feared by neighbouring shepherds in the rugged Cumberland district—his only friend a savage Alsatian, Black Wull, as little loved as his master. The only object of his affections, other than his dog, is his daughter, portrayed by Margaret Lockwood, “Owd Bob” being the first film in which this rising young star had appeared under her new longterm contract with Gainsborough. Into this atmosphere of hate and unrest comes a young Derbyshire farmer and his champion sheep dog, Owd Bob, the first serious rival for the local sheep dog trials that Black Wull has even encountered. John Loder, as the handsome young newcomer, contrives to win the affections of Margaret Lockwood and eventually breaks down the barrier between McAdam and his fellow men. The main highlight of “Owd Bob” is a vivid enaction of a Sheep Dog Trials, in which Owd Bob wrests a silver cup from a number of aspiring canines, chief of whom is the savage Black Wull. The dramatic climax of the picture comes when the shepherds’ self-imposed watch break into the wedding festivities of John Loder to report that they are at last on the track of the vicious animal who has for weeks past been savaging'their sneep. The party sets off for the fells, each man fearful lest his dog be the villain. The supporting cast is headed by Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott as burly farmer-men, while important roles are played by Wilfred Walter, Elliot Mason, Bromley Davenport, Edmund Breon, H. F. Maltby, Wally Patch and Alf. Goddard. .The rugged grandeur of the scenery and the moving performances of the actors in this human story ensures the success of this Gainsborough picture.

The second big attraction will be “The Renegade Ranger,” starring George O’Brien who is supported by Rita Hayworth, Tim Holt and Ray Whitley. It is a most thrilling story exceptionally well acted. There is a good supporting programme.