A FILM EPIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

A FILM EPIC

“THE THREE GODFATHERS” The much awaited all talking film version of Peter B. Kync’s famous novel, “The Three Godfathers,” commences its Wanganui season at the Majestic Theatre to-day. It runs the gamut of human emotions and actions. It has romance, adventure, pathos and humour. It achieves suspense of a nature that has never been surpassed in motion pictures. Its action is shown against a canvass at once weird and awe-inspiring —the majestic, illimitable desolation of the great Mojave Desert. Against this tremendous background is played out a human drama whose compelling interest is never allowed to flag. “The Three Godfathers” is a drama of regeneration and heroism. Three bad men of the west have fled into the desert after killing a citizen in a bank hold-up in tho little frontier town of New Jerusalem. They find themselves with a new-born baby on their hands. They have promised the dying mother that they will bear the child safely to New Jerusalem. They have not enough water for such a journey. And they know that if, by a miracle, they do reach New Jerusalem, lynch law awaits them thereFrom this central dramatic situation the story unfolds swiftly and poignantly. It increases in intensity until the final fade-out leaves the beholder emotionally breathless. The film is marked by superb acting. Charles Bickford, Raymond Hatton and Fred Kohler give characterisations that are notable contributions to the art of the screen. Splendid performances also are given by Fritzi Ridgeway, Maria Alba, Joe de la Cruz, Buck Connors and Walter James.