“RED DUST.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 852, 28 August 1933, Page 3

“RED DUST.”

Splendid Drama Returns to Everybody’s. “Red Dust”, a splendid drama set in the jungle of Cochin-China, starring Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, began a return season at Everybody's Theatre on Saturday. Gable is cast as Dennis Carson, the manager of a rubber plantation. Through his constant struggle with nature, Carson has become brutalised, and is indifferent to the storms of “ red dust ”, floods, and terrific heat. His one thought is to increase the output of the plantation, and he thinks himself immune from the charms of women, who are not welcome in the district. The arrival of Vantlne (Jean Harlow) from Saigon begins the freaking down of the barrier Carson has built round himself. Vantine is a sophisticated woman from the distant city with which the plantation is connected by river-steamer, which calls once in four weeks. She pays attentions to all the men. but is rebuffed at first. The arrival of Gary and Barbara Willis, played by Gene Raymond and Mary Astor, creates a tense situation, especially as the wife of the new surveyor is as attractive as the other woman in the story. Mary Astor is excellent as the refined city woman, who cannot stand up to the strain of life in the tropics, especially when her husband is absent from the ilantation. Competent supporting artists such as Donald Crisp, Tuily Marshall and Forrester Harvey, combine to make this drama an outstanding success. “ Red Dust ” will appeal to all picture-goers, as it is packed with love-interest, action and splendid character representations. Willie Fung, as the Chinese house-boy, provides much of the comedy. The picture does not flag from start to finish, and the denouement is as interesting as the plot. * A good supporting programme * includes a screamingly funny Zasu Pitts comedy, a cartoon and a news-reel. “ Huckleberry Finn.” The talking picture version of “Huckleberry Finn.” Mark Twain's classic of childhood," commenced a return season at the Grand Theatre on Saturday. The world's greatest child actors, Jackie Coogan, Mitzi Green, Jackie Searl and Junior Durkin, portray the principal roles. “ Huckleberry Finn”, is a continuation of “ Tom Sawyer,” which was screened at thp Grand last week. Tne picture loses none of the charm and excitement of the story, and i i the characters of the book are faithfully - reproduced. The supporting pro- ‘ 1 gramme is headed by a sparkling I i comedy. “My Wife’s Jewels."