QUEEN’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18347, 10 September 1921, Page 7

QUEEN’S THEATRE

Of all the Red Indian tales of adventure that have delighted the hearts and stirred the imagination of lively boys for generations past, none has had a wider or more deserved popularity than Fennnor© Cooper s “ The Last of the Mohicans. It may be said indeed, that v the great bulk of the Indian stories since written are only weak reflections of this recognised masterpiece in its own department. Naturally, therefore, the news that a very effective dramatisation of the story is being screened at the Queen’s Theatre is most welcome to hundreds of young people, and indeed its fascination is by no means confined to the iuniors. The leading parts are most capably filled, and the grandeur and magnificence of the natural surroundings amid which the action is staged form another strong feature of the picture. The story concerns the exciting warfare that took place between various tribes of Indians, and the French and English settlers during the early stages of American history. Cora and Alice, the daughters of Colonel Munro, who, is in command of Fort Henry, are prominent figures throughout They are betrayed and captured by the’ treacherous Indian Magua, rescued by Uncas and the scout Hawkeye, captured again by Magua, and taken to the camp of the Delawares. Some of the moat thrilling scenes in a thoroughly exciting and eventful story occur when Uncas and Hawkeye come upon Cora and her captor, with whom Uncas has a life and death struggle on. the edge of a terrible precipice. Eventually the unerring rifle of Hawkeye deals out justice from afar to Magua, whose body is seen to drop from ledge to ledge into a mountain torrent, bv which it is whirled over a cataract. Supporting this memorable picture and affording welcome relief from its atmosphere of tragedy are a Christie comedy, entitled “Seaside Sirens,” and a Pathe Gazette. At the evening sessions pleasing and appropriate music is provided by f a strong orchestra, under Madame Reggiardo. Just now the orchestra is rendering as an overture ‘ Chu Chin Chow.”