ELTHAM MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1930, Page 10

ELTHAM MUNICIPAL THEATRE.

The double programme showiing at the above- theatre to-night should please the most discriminating patron the first part. “The Last Performance” being a .mystery drama stages behind the footlights, the second, The Desert Rider, a story of the untamed places of the great outdoors. “The last Performance” is ft story of a no-ted magician who has fallen in love with his feminine assistant, many years younger. During the performance of a sword trick another assistant is mysteriously murdered while lying in the false bottom of the basket, in which the swords are inserted. There is a dramatic trial scene with a denouement that ranks among the most thrilling ever screened. .“The Desert Rider” is an entirely new and original story, the theme of which revolves about the struggle of the early white settlers duf--ing the ratification, of- the Spanish land 'deeds. The picture opens with breathtaking action in which a young and gallant pony express rider is held up and robbed of a land deed which forces a beautiful senorita bn the mercy of a friendly Mission. Sensational chases between the baiidit gang and the daring riders.of the sage and thrilling battles in which ft group of blood-thirsty Redmen appear in the picturesque surroundings of./the desolate sand wastes, are highlights of the story. A charming love theme is interwoven throughout the story, and Raquel Torres as the heroine aids greatly the superb' quality' of the romance. Comedy relief Is supplied by. Bert Roach, who portrays a fat bu't* perpetually hungry Friar.