THE LYCEUM

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3492, 30 October 1926, Page 3

THE LYCEUM

“HOOT” GIBSON IN “THE PHANTOM BULLET.” For sheer action, thrills, originality of plot and grandeur of scenery, not to say delicious comedy, the picture to be finally screened to-night at the Lyceum Theatre, is the last word in Western presentations. It is ‘‘The Phantom Bullet,” a Universal-Jewel, starring “Hoot” Gibson and directed by Clifford Smith, The star portrays the role of a cowboy. Tom Farlanc. who, in order to solve the mystery of his father’s murder impersonates a young man from the city, delicate, gentlemanly and ultra-refined. His ludicrous contrast to the hard-boiled, flea-bitten frontier characters allay the suspicions of the guilty men and justice is served, after a long and difficult series of happenings. An ingenius twist to the plot brings into prominent position in the story, a camera and the fact that the hero is a youth who loves photography. It is because of Tom’s artistic proclivities that a major crime mystery is solved. "The Phantom Bullet” brings out the very best of the famous star. It is one of the best Western pictures ever produced and the best that Gibson has done. Universal deserves much credit for effecting a Western feature tfiat strikes a new and different chord. Coming Conday—Zane Grey’s “Wild Horse ’Mesa.” The management of the Lyceum have secured another big special for Monday and Tuesday, in Zane Grey’s famous novel, “Wild Horse Mesa.” Zane Grey is without a peer when it comes to devising dynamic plots that vibrate with red-blooded action, unique thrills and appealing romance, and in “Wild Horse Mesa,” ho is at his supreme best. The story depicts in gripping manner the barbarous scheme of a gang of horse thieves and outlays to capture several thousand wild horses by stampeding them into a barbed wire trap. Jack Holt, who portrays the leading role, covers himself with dramatic glory, and gives a superb exhibition of horsemanship skill. Noah Beery handles the “bad man” part with his usual fineseee: Billie Dove, charming and lovely, furnishes the love interest; and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., wins new laurels with his characterisation.