“THE PONY EXPRESS” IS BIG DRAW TO CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17863, 3 June 1926, Page 7

“THE PONY EXPRESS” IS BIG DRAW TO CRYSTAL PALACE.

HISTORICAL FILM OF OTHER DAYS. There is some kind of comparison between “ The Covered Waggon” and “The Pony Express.” Although both recall America’s other days, their themes are different. In “The Covered Waggon” Mr Cruze aimed at making an historical romance. In “The Pony Express” he has made historical reality, and has made it astonishingly real. For screen purposes there have been introduced many side issues. Standing out bodly in the story there is a debonair gambler and notorious deadshot, who, on account of his anti-slav-ery speeches, has been marked for death by a secret society, the Knights of the Golden Circle, led by an avowed Secessionist. The selected victim of the society’s attentions becomes a pony express rider, and gives a title for the story and material for a series of amazing adventures. The big feature is supported by an interesting Australian “Gazette,” a welcome revival of travel pictures, showing the loveliness of Naples, and a hilarious detective comedy, “ The Sleuth.” making the entertainment a delightfully varied one. The Symphony Orchestra’s work is admirable.