IN CORAL SEAS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 291, 8 December 1928, Page 15 (Supplement)

IN CORAL SEAS

“THE ADORABLE OUTCAST.” The coral islands of the Pacific, in their unspoiled beauty and sun-kissed charm, form the background of “The Adorable Outcast,” a film romance. This Union Master World production was adapted from Beatrice Grimshaw’s “Conn of the Coral Seas.” one of the most popular of her novels. The screen version does fhll justice to the story. “The Adorable Outcast” is new in practically every respect, and therefore particularly interesting. It is a Norman Dwan production with a carefullyselected cast of players who worked “on the spot.” The story tells of Stephen Conn, a man whose source of wealth is as mysterious as his habits. He falls in love with Luya, a half-caste girl on his island, and rouses the hatred of Fursey and his gang of blackbirders. Fursey tortures Luya by making her dance for hours, but she refuses to divulge the whereabouts of Conn’s wealth, the bulk of which is hidden in a cave. Conn revenges himself by horse-whipping the blackbirder, but, in the meantime Diedre, the daughter’ of a storekeeper, arrives from Sydney and. after the birth of a baby girl, declares that the infant belongs to Luya. Luya accepts the child, but Conn misunderstands and leaves her. Luya is captured and taken by Fursey to a cannibal island, where she is in peril of her life. Conn learns the truth about the baby and follows, arriving in time to rescue his beloved. Obviously excellent material for a thrilling, colourful film. Dwan has given his best work, and the production exceeds all expectations. The “atmosphere” is well-nigh perfect, while the action is clear-cut and rapid. The acting of the principal characters is a special feature of the picture, and the producers have secured the services of dozens of natives who appear as extra players and add a unique touch of realism. There are several excellent examples of native dances, and the feast scene at the close of the production provides a spectacular anti-climax. Curtis Benton has completed a continuity for “The Minstrel Alan,” a talking-singing-dancing picture for which minstrels are being summoned to Universal City from all corners of the United States.