“STINGAREE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20455, 7 November 1934, Page 3

“STINGAREE.”

Richard Dix as Australian Outlaw.

All the elements of romance and adventure are found in “ Stingaree,” which comes to the Majestic Theatre on Saturday. The exploits of one of Australia’s most colourful personalities, an outlaw who feared neither God nor devil, form the basis of the story, and provide an ideal role for Richard Dix, who is seen once more in the type of characterisation which first brought him to the forefront. The film, however, is also notable for the fine and restrained portrayal of Irene Dunne, who again shows herself to be one of the most attractive and intelligent actresses on the screen. As Hilda Bouverie, the great singer who was responsible for Stingaree’s most famous recorded exploit, she is also given the chance to demonstrate the great beauty and power of her singing voice. The story opens at the homestead of the Clarksons on the eve of the arrival of Sir Julian Wade, a great musical impresario. Hilda Bouverie is a companion to Mrs Clarkson, who is jealous of the girl’s voice and tries to prevent her from being heard by Sir Julian. In the meantime, Stingaree has arrived in the district and the way in which the bandit eventually forces Sir Julian and a fashionable assemblage to listen to Hilda’s singing is a masterpiece of recklessness and genius. But that is not the end of this fascinating and exciting tale. Richard Dix undoubtedly makes a most likeable character out of the devil-may-care bandit, and. apart from the work of the principals, very amusing portrayals are given by a host of minor characters, including Una O’Connor, Henry Stephenson and Mary Boland. Box plans at the D.I.C.