PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 97, 27 April 1933, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“13 WOMEN” AND “RENEGADES OF THE WEST.” Horoscopes which bring tragedy in their wake form tho remarkable theme of “Thirteen. Women,” the strange drama of occult practices which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre. Together with “Renegades of the West/’ an invigorating Western adventure romance, it should have a most successful season. Apart from the sheer uncanniness of th e story, “Thirteen Women” is notable for"the skilful acting of an uncommonly accomplished cast of players. Afyrna Loy, remembered as the alluring Indian princess in “The Black Watch,” is suitably sinister as a half-caste Javanese, who determines to exact vengeance from 12 former classmates who had caused her expulsion from an exclusive finishing school. By the mystical power she is able to exert over her victims with the aid of a bogus astrologer (C. Henry Gordon), the merciless Oriental woman spreads disaster on every hand until at last a strange fate overtakes her. As the two women who alone refuse to be swayed by mysticism and belief inthe ocult Irene Dunne, of “Back Street,” and Jill Esmond, the charming English actress, both act with poise and charm. Another fine performance comes from Ricardo Cortez, a likeable character, as a detective who ultimately solves the mysteries of a succession of amzing occurrences. Then there are Kay Johnson, Julie Haydon, Afary Duncan and Blanche Fredcrici. All the eeriness of the plot has been deftly brought out by the director, George Archainbaud. “Renegades of the West,” the other film, is a pure joy from beginning to end. All the characters of the traditional Western stories are there, but the whole piece has been directed with such lightness and subtlety that it has become a really refreshing film.