PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 181, 5 August 1935, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“UNDER THE PAMPAS MOON.” The care-free life of the Southern American plains where men play lightly with the affections of women in comparison with the esteem for their horses, is woven into a charming romance in “Under The Pampas Moon,” which had its initial acreenings at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday. Warner Baxter, as a roistering, hardriding yet sentimental fellow, inseparable from his horse, quick to fight and quick to forgive, gives a splendid characterisation of a gaucho. Of many striking features none are more impressive than the magnificent photography depicting the outdoor life. The grouping of the horsemen, whether galloping over the pampas by day or proceeding to the accompaniment of rollicking song in the twilight, reveals real photographic artistry in its combination of light and shade. The forced landing of an aeroplane on the pampas and the rescue of its party by the horsemen result in their uncrowned king losing his heart to one of them, a beautiful blonde played by the French actress Ketti Gallian. His vanity and amusing self-assurance receive their first setback when he finds that she does not succumb lightly to his charms, as all the girls of the village have done, but the theft of his beloved steed temporarily diverts his amours. The quest of the animal leads him to the glittering life of Buenos Ayres, where he again meets the aeroplane party, and there ensues a romantic struggle for the heart of the blonde and possession of his steed which has been stolen at the behest of the girl’s manager. Baxter is forced to live in the unaccustomed atmosphere of the city with its attendant night life, and although he cuts a comical figure in the strange surroundings, his assurance enables him to surmount them. Just when success seems assured, ho becomes aware of a conspiracy in which his beloved is unwittingly implicated. Follows a scries of dramatic and spectacular incidents, culminating in the circumvention of a “scoop” on the racecourse which the unauthorised owner of the steed has within his grasp. One of the thrills of the night life in which a portion of the romance is enacted, is a specialty dance by Veloz and Yolanda, an accomplished pair, who have long been favourites in America. The supporting programme is well varied.