THE COVERED WAGON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19275, 12 September 1924, Page 9

THE COVERED WAGON.

"The Covered Wagon," which will be screened at the Octagon and Empire Theatres to-night, is a moving picture that must appeal to every New Zealander with a- drop of pioneer blood or a touch of the spirit of adventure in his composition. It is a photographic record of one of the great adventures of history—the '49 trek across America to the promised laud of Oregon of a daring band of men, women, and children, with their 500 wagons, their cattle and horses, and all their worldly possfcssions. From the moment that old man Wingate, the leader, gives the signal for the long train of caravans to move off, there is beauty, adventure, and dramatic action in the picture. The way is by desert, mountain, and river, and many of the scenes are of infinite grandeur. In striking contrast are tho intimate touches in the wagons and around the camn fires, where human nature is seen at its best, and occasional v at its worst. The love interest commences early, and continues to the last fade-out. Molly Wingate is the daughter of the leader, and she has been pledged by her parents to Sam Woodfull. But dashing Bannion, the leader of the second team, involuntarily wins tho heart of Molly, and soon the two men clash. • There is a brutal fight, and in order to avoid a feud that threatens the success of the whole enterprise, Wingate orders Bannion to keep his train at a safe distance on a parallel course. Troubles come, there is a great flood-swollen river to bo crossed, the Indian set fire to the prairie, a.nd finally attack and overwhelm Wingate's section. In all of these misfortunes Bannion plays the part of saviour, but he only succeeds in saving orf the evil day, when Molly and J>am are to be married. James Cruze, the proauepr, is entitled to chief praise for the success of this thrilling drama of real life, and the leading Ecrformers play their parts delightfully. >ois Wilson takes the role of Molly, Warren Kerrigan makes Bannion a manly hero, and Ernest Torrence gives a particularly fine study as the hard-bitten scout, Jackson.