"ROSE OF THE GOLDEN WEST."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19202, 7 January 1928, Page 7

"ROSE OF THE GOLDEN WEST."

A COLOURFUL ROMANCE

LIBERTY THEATRE, MONDAY.

When the adventurous Dons of Spain set their seal on California, away back in the young years of the last century, they brought with them something of the dignity and ceremony of their country, something of its old romance, and a great deal of its gallantry and beauty. California, under the Dons, was a place of leisure, of military gorgeousness, and also a place of airy villains and deep conspiracy, unscrupulous governors, and patriotic young men. California, in those days, was a fine place if one had a sense of humour, a strong right arm, and a fair lady. All these admirable things did Juan possess, Juan who tried his hand at assassination, lovemaking, and a few other gentlemanly exploits in the romantic drama, "Rose of the Golden West," tho First National picture which heads an interesting programme at Liberty Theatre next week. This is an original story for the screen, produced by George Fitzmaurice aud played by a cast of brilliant men and women. headed by Mary Astor and Gilbert Roland, with Montagu Love giving a thrilling interpretation of a very wicked governor. There are no side tracks of goldmining aud prospectors to spoil the flowery romance and Castilian dignity of this glorious tale; it is like some old legend set in a land of milk and honey, filled with swift adventure, glowing days, and moonlit nights. Those sinister shadows of intrigues and plots, the shadow cast upon the bright Californian sunshine by Gustav von Seyferitz and Montagu Love serve to balance the youthful ardour of Juan and his Elena. One must have villainy, and Gustav von Seyferitz and Mr Love are' the two best professional villains in Hollywood. It >» s gay and gallant tale, brilliant in the first place, but presented in all its force and reality solely through the ingenious machinations of Fitzmaurice, who has a decided flair for this type of drama. The acting is delightful, every member of the cast giving of his and her best. Miss Astor and Gilbert Roland, the one a fearless daughter of the Dons, the other a genuine Latin from over the Andes, take their place among the many "screen's greatest lovers"; Flora Finch appears in a welcome and hilarious comedy role, while Harvey Clarke, who. with Roland, appeared with Norma Talmadgo in "Oamille," also plays a prominent part. The following appropriate musical programme is submitted by the concert orchestra, uuder Mr Ernest Jamieson:—Overture, "Symphony" (Schumann), "Gems of Chopin" (Irbach), "Oarmen" (Bizet), "The Barber of Seville" (Rossini), "In Old Madrid." "Faris and Helena" (Gluc.k), "Prelude" (Chopin), "A Southern Maid" (Phillips), "Reconciliation" (Bottin), "Consolation" (Tschaikowsky), "The Soldier's Dream," "Spanish Moon." "Me. and My Shadow." "Stepping on the Ivories." The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where senls may be reserved.