FRED THOMSON IN WESTERN DRAMA AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18380, 4 February 1928, Page 10

FRED THOMSON IN WESTERN DRAMA AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Powerful with the virility and realism that marks all Fred Thomson’s prodtictions. his latest release, “ Lone Hand Saunders,” will he the main attraction at the Queen's Theatre next week. The famous Western star gives a splendid interpretation of the role of a surgeon, who, embittered by the death of his sister whom he hoped to. cure, goes to Arizona and establishes himself as a ranch owner. How his resolutions are broken down by his sympathy for a crippled boy and the latter's devoted nurse, forms the basis of a graphic and forceful picture. Thomson's noted equine assistant, Silver King, plays an important part, and the work of Bess Flowers, as the heroine, is deserving of high praise. The action is steady, swift and continuous, and the beauty of the outdoor scenes makes the picture a pictorial delight. In “ Smilin’ Jim,” the second feature, the star, Franklvn Farnum. is called upon to essay two distinct characters. As “ Smilin’ Jim.” the Westerner, he enters the town of Ridgeville to escape the sheriff of the neighbouring county, who has implicated him in a crime of which he is innocent. As Frank Harman, an Eastern oil expert, he portrays the part of “ Smilin’ Jim’s ” brother, seeking Jim in Ridgeville to tell him that he has been cleared of all complicity in crime. Two comedies, scenic, three gazettes and a Felix cartoon make up the supporting programme. Reserves are at Webley’s, or telephone 3342.