THE KELLY GANG

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2105, 13 June 1907, Page 2

THE KELLY GANG

A PICTORIAL DRAMA

■The enduring interest in tlio doings of tho famous Kelly gang was evidenced by tho largo assemblage at His Majesty’s Theatre last niglit to witness,' pictorially, this most thril-

ling story. It must ho said at tho outset that the arrangement of the story in pictorial form was masterly, both in conception ami execution. Tho pictures wero realistic and life-like, and the spectators followed with absorbing interest tho whole tragic episode. It was a labour of immense magnitude to prepure such a film. Naturally tho task was beset with difficulties, men with such complete and authentic records to work upon, but fairminded critics must admit that it was accomplished with crodit. I Tho peaceful Kolly homestead was first pourtrayed, and tho flight of Dan, whom tlio police wore in quost of, wtili his companions. Then the I spectators wore shown the police I camp on tho Wombat Ranges,, the I surpriso by the gang, and tho hot I engagement at close quarters .as I other troopers return to camp. Ihe shooting of two of tlieir number leads to tlio Kelly gang being outI lawed and a price sot upon thoii I heads. Tlio scones at the stickingup of Y’ounghusband’s station show the men to bo stern but not without I a souse of humour, whilst some spirit

of chivalry was apparent in Ned Kelly’s dictum, “Wo do not rob ladies or children.’/ The story pro-

ceeds apace as theatrical requirements 'necessitate, and forthwith is illustrated the bank robbery. The manly or scared demeanour of the victims is prominently sot out, and tho spectators comfortably seated in tho Theatre criticise or jeer as occasion prompts. In rapid succession the film outlines Kate’s chase by the police, when carrying information to the outlaws, the treachery of Slierritt in league with the police, the trick to lure the traitor to Ills doom and his dramatic death at the hands of Joe Byrne, his old schoolfellow. The behaviour of the troopers in the house at the time is referred to in tlio .synopsis as “the only blot on the police.” Events move rapidly and I the railway platelayers are seen, with j the Kelly’s pistols at tlieir heads, tearing up the rails in order to stop the train. Next the Glenrowan Inn is pourtrayed at the mercy of the mauraders, and the schoolmaster, Curnow, by means of a subterfuge obtains the confidence of the gang and is allowed to depart. He is witnessed pluckily stopping the pilot engine, thereby saving the train. Reinforcements of police come to hand by the train and rush to the Glenrowan Inn, where the gang, imagining themselves in safety, are taken by surprise. The pictures showing the fierce fusilade upon tho place, the stubborn resistance by the outlaws, the terror of the unfortunate people confined within the premises, a rescue by Father Gibney from the burning building, death of Joe Byrne, and the shooting of each other (when all chance of escape is lost) by Dan Kelly and Steve Hart, ! are graphic in detail and effect. I Other incidents in the career of the I audacious gang aro set forth in a striking manner, such as th© Kellys at Jorildorie. When tho closing scones arrive, ending in tho capture of Ned Kolly, tho ringleader, the auI dieiic© gives a sigh of relief that the nerve tension is over.

Nothing more stirring and powerful has ever been portrayed on canvas before. Naturally there are defects. It is not claimed that the film is tho complete record of events, and the historical accuracy in detail has had to bo sacrificed at times in order to make tlie plot more apparent and sustained from a “stagey” point of view. The result is an- irritating “scrappiness” about tlio scenes at I times: —they seem to have no beginning and no ending, but a very faint knowledge of tlie gang’s liistory-en-ables'(us to’readily follow the story. The piece is full of exclamation marks, as it were, and “tlio man behind the curtain” was an adept in impersonating various roles and reciting tlie dialogues intelligently. The first part of the programme was mainly taken up -with a splendid selection of general views, mainly of the humorous variety. “An Artist’s Dream” was fantastic in conception, the magic changes and pretty color effects being an agreeable feature. A story of human interest was “Wher© there’s a will there’s a way,” dealing with love, a motor car elopement, and tlie final reconciliation. An amusing skit On village fire brigade methods was witnessed—tlie antiquated methods of the fire-fighters being highly ludicrous. As a set-off, tlie modern city style, as presented, was in striking contrast. A sordid tale was unfolded in “Greed for Gold,” a prospector being done to death by his mates, whilst Nemesis overtakes the evil-doers. Of the sentimental variety, a narrative of desertion, death, and atonement appealed strongly.to the ladies. Too funny for words were the series, “A Wedding on ■ Bikes,” “How tho Tramps wore Chastised,” and “Tho Hat Chase.” They left the “house” positively weak with excessive laughter.

To-night tlie management will introduce into tho first part scenes from “Living Scotland —its magnificent cities, wondrous scenery, and colossal industries.” This film was taken specially for J. and N. Tait by an army of biograph experts, at a cost of £IOOO. To-morrow, tho last night, “Living Ireland” will be shown.