OPERA HOUSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10302, 11 January 1927, Page 6

OPERA HOUSE.

“THE IRON HORSE.” BUILDING FIRST TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILWAY.

The story of the wires and the rails which first linked the west of America with the east, has been recorded on the screen for the first time. Described by Robert Louis Stevenson as a greater achievement in the world’s history than the building of Troy, this tremendous theme furnishes the basis -for “The Iron Horse,” the William Fox super production which is now screening at the Opera House. Names which have come down in history and will go on forever, appear in the cast. Lincoln, Grant Dodge, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok and Bat Masterson are just a few of them*. The picture is not a melodrama, but a spectacular cinema record of the linking of America, based on historical records. When President Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act on July 1, 1862, the 'bill included the provision that a telegraph system must accompany the rails, thus connecting the east and west by wire and rail. It was the first means of communication other than stage coach and pony express. Lincoln at the time was striving ,to unite the north and south, but lie did' not abandon one great dream for the other. He was assassinated before liis ’ dream could be realized. The dramatic story has been made into_ a powerful picture, with George O’Brien, J. Favrell MacDonald and Madge Bellamy in the leading role o .'*’John Ford, tht director, used a regiment of cavalry and four tribes of Indians to add to the color. An enormous cast of capable artists supports the principals. There will be a special matinee on Wednesday afternoon.