MUSICAL WESTERN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32346, 13 October 1943, Page 5

MUSICAL WESTERN

“RED RIVER VALLEY”

PROGRAMME AT REGENT

“PITTSBURG KID” ALSO

Roy Rogers returns to the Regent Theatre screen on Thursday and Friday in another outstanding western, “Red River Valley,” which is scheduled to run for two days.

The picture opens with a “Pioneer Days” celebration in honour of Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers band to Red River Valley. Roy’s old friend, Gabby, has arranged the festivities, much to the annoyance of Sheriff Sutherland, who is very deeply occupied with sabotage being' committed against the White Mountain Dam. Without this dam, the cattlemen of the region will be without water, since the government has cut- off the valley’s water supply in order to furnish power for an essential industry. Russ Allison, operator of the Casa Rio Gambling Club, hopes to acquire the controlling interest .in the valley, and it is he who is responsible for the sabotage of the White Mountain Dam. In this he is aided by Bill Murdock, w’ho is construction engineer on the dam but secretly in Allison’s employ with orders to prevent its completion so that Allison will then be in a position to acquire the land from the bankrupt ranchers.

Things reach a, climax when the mpney for the dam’s pay-roll is mysteriously stolen, and Allison -smoothly proposes that his partner’s in the Casa Rio Club advance money for the completion of the dam in this emergency if the ranchers will “as a mere formality” sign over their shares in the Water Company, said stock to be returned to them at the same price when the ranchers are able to sell their stock and raise the money. Roy and Gabby are opposed to thus playing into the hands of their enemy, and their thrilling- exploits, in securing evidence to convict provide top flight screen (fare. Billy Conn, the sensational young boxer, whose popularity rocketted after his magnificent 13 rounds with" champion Joe Louis, made another hit— this tiihe as an actor—in the Republic punch-packed picture “The Pittsburgh Kid,” which shows at-the Regent Theatre, Thursday and’ Friday.

Titian-haired Jean Parker, is seenas Pat Mollory, the girl who holds; Conn’s contract and is determined to guide his career—even against his will. Not understanding that Pat’s actions are motivated by her love for him, Conn becomes rebellious and refuses to take his training seriously. Pat finally manages to win his 1 confidence and to arrange a fight .between the world’s champion.

But a, few days before *the bout Conn is accidentally involved in a scrape; and newspaper reports tie his name with that of Babs l Ellison (Veda Ann Borg), daughter of a rival manager. Pat rescues Conn,’ but is thoroughly disillusioned in him, and sells his contract. • '

Without her coaching, Conn takes a pasting in the early rounds of the fight, and Babs realises that 'Pat must be brought to the stadium. The wayin which' she accomplishes this and guarantees a victory for Conn brings the film to a rip-roaring finish.

Both Conn and Miss Parker perform brilliantly in the starring roles and are supported capably by an excellent cast. “ FLORIAN ” SHOWING FINALLY TO-NIGHT “ Florian” will show finally to-night at the Regent Theatre.