THE CIVIC THEATRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17977, 24 March 1930, Page 3

THE CIVIC THEATRE.

SCREENING OF ‘DYNAMITE.’ FIRST TIME IN NEW ZEALAND. Hamilton had the honour, at the 'lvio Theatre on Saturday night, of the r.-:t screening of “Dynamite.” The hcatre was crowded, and many people had to be turned away. At the close of the performance the audience left the theatre talking enthusiastically of what they had seen and heard. Spectacular and thrilling to the greatest degree, Cecil B. De Mille's first ■alking production, "Dynamite,” allows his super-director to take one of the biggest bows of his career. Scintillating society panoramas are blended uto an enthralling dramatic .situation n which a coal-miner and his rival for ho hand of a socieLy girl face death together, a thousand feet below the earth. Romance and sensation are blended in a manner that holds the interest of the audience throughout. Exceptional work is done by Conrad Xaget as a young society gadabout, lyav .Johnson, Broadway stage star, as i girl of high social position, and Charles Bickford as Ilagon Derk, the miner. It is difficult to say which of these players gives the best characterisation, 'but sufficient to remark that each one gives a striking performance. The fine cast of the picture also includes Julia Faye, who has been seen in many other Dc Mille photoplays, Robert Edeson, Scott Kolk, Leslie Fenion and Joel McCrea. "Dynamite” is far more than a "type" picture. It belongs in no classification. It is the genius of De Mille at his best, aided by what is perhaps •the -most original plot ever conceived by Jeanie MacPherson, author of many of De -Mille’s greatest stories. Any one of a dozen thrilling episodes in "Dynamite" will keep people talking. The "aero-hoop” race, in which girls strapped to great hoops participate, the archery competition, the game of "Doug,” the tense scene in the 'mine, and all the other lavish and unusual touches which the director has administered make the new picture one to be remembered. The dialogue is beautifully tailored and from start to thrilling climax the film is a natural "smash.”