STORY OF SOUTH AMERICAN PAMPAS NOW AT THE GRAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 7

STORY OF SOUTH AMERICAN PAMPAS NOW AT THE GRAND.

A gripping story of the South American pampas, of banditry, romance And the lure of gold. “The Gaucho,” which is showing this week at the Grand Theatre, is indeed a picture of

exceptional-merit. Once again appearing in the role of robber chief, the inimitable Douglas Fairbanks has chosen a colourful character in the Gaucho rider of the Andean border. It is noticeable that the Fairbanks pictures sparkle with humour, are swift in action, courageous in theme, yet at the same time’ they are free of any emphasis likely to react on the youthful mind. The majestic scenery and the general thoroughness of production have made “The Gaucho” a most

entertaining picture, and one that fully maintains the high stadard of the lairbanks succe ses. Douglas Fairbanks appears as an outlaw Gaucho leader, head of a band oi hard-riding bandits who occupy the mysterious shrine city under the very nose of the usurper of the country. A wild mountain girl, and a girl of the shrine are strangely contrasted roles, and not until the end of the picture is the romantic interest unfolded. The Gaucho leader becomes contaminated by a victim of the “black doom," but is healed by the shrine girl. The outlaw. however, is betrayed by the jealous mountain girl, who afterwards repents and rides td bring the help of the Gaucho bandits. The outlaw leader escapes, and joins his men, rescues the shrine girl from the scaffold, stampeding a vast herd of cattle, which rout the force, of the usurper. Fairbanks adds to his repertoire of amafc ing stunts by the use of the bola®, familiar to horsmen of the South American plain. This missle * consists of leather balls covered with rawhide attached to thongs. It is swung about the head, and thrown to entwine its victim. Fairbanks reveals his wonderful athletic ability performing feats of dangerous jumping and clever riding. Lupe Yilez has a leading feminine role as the wild mountain girl. and although a newcomer to the screen, her convincing acting of a difficult part added in no small measure to the suc-

cess of the picture. Eve Southern, who takes the other principal feminine part as the shrine girl, gives a wonderful portrayal. The supporting ca<t is a strong one. A comedy, scenic and gazette are the other attractions on the programme. The Grand Quality Orchestra plays an appropriate programme of music.