COSY THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1940, Page 2

COSY THEATRE

“KONGA THE WILD STALLION.” Thundering across the screen with the speed and power of a stampede of wild horses, Columbia’s “Konga, the Wild Stallion,” is one of the most exciting and most novel outdoor action dramas ever produced. A splendid cast is headed by Fred Stone, Rochelle Hudson and Richard Riske in the leading roles in the thrilling drama due to open at the Cosy Theatre tonight. Set against the grim background of the range, “Konga, the Wild Stallion” tells of a wise old horsebreeder who is harassed by financial difficulties and the enmity of his wealthy neighbour. Complications develop when the malicious millionaire uses an aeroplane to round up the herds of wild horses which have been damaging his crops. Range war breaks out and the situation is made even more complex by a love affair between the horse-breeder's son and the daughter of the wealthy farmer. Thrilling action scenes result when the law of the range is invoked by the old rancher in defence of his favourite steed. The resulting climax is as thrilling as it is surprising. Rochelle Hudson and Richard Riske portray the young couple whose romance is interrupted by the range feud. Others in the capable cast include Robert Warwick, Don Beddoe, Carl Stockdale and Eddy Waller.

“The Gaunt Stranger,” the associate feature, is a thrill-teeming story of a master criminal’s vengeance on a crooked lawyer for the betrayal of his sister. Adapted from “The Ringer,” one of the most popular of all Edgar Wallace novels, “The Gaunt Stranger” provides stirring entertainment literally packed with mystery and suspense. The tale turns on the threat of a supposedly dead killer, “The Ringer,” to murder the unscrupulous lawyer, Meister. Noteworthy in the special cast of this Michael Balcon production is the Meister of Wilfrid Lawson, played on mocking, sardonic lines; the bland police surgeon of Alexander Knox; Louise Henry’s assertive portrait of the killer’s wife, and the diverting Cockney humour of Connie Hale. Also screening is the final chapter of “The Lone Ranger” serial together with a further episode of “Scouts to the Rescue,” starring Jackie Cooper.