The Spirit of Adventure Still Survives on Range

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7278, 4 October 1933, Page 5

The Spirit of Adventure Still Survives on Range

GEORGE O’BRIEN’S LATEST HIT IS IN ‘ ‘SMOKE LIGHTNING”

George O’Brien usually plays a “lone wolf” in his screen offerings, hut in “Smoke Lightning” he is teamed with the British comic, Frank Atkinson. Taken from Zane Grey’s “Canyon Walls,” this up-to-date tale of the cattle country is said to he one of the most exciting of all the western star’s pictures.

It comes to the Kosy to-day. While the days of the open range and the two-gun killers passed out with the turn of tho century—almost—there is just as much excitement and adventure in tho 'cattle country to-day. To find it you must go farther from the beaten paths, deep into the range country.

Just to prove tho truth of tho above assertion, Geor.go O’Brien demonstrates that a cowboy’s life in the modern West can bo a thrilling one in “Smoke Lightning,” his new Fox vehicle. Bristling with gunfights, a gaol-break, a poker game that ruins one of the players, a gripping duel across tho car-roofs of a racing train and some of the most brilliant riding ever shown on the screen, this picture is scheduled to dispel any ideas that the West of to-day is tranquil.

Tho story deals with the hectic experiences of a roving cow-puncher and his pal who decide to appoint themselves guardians of a little girl after tho death of her father leaves her a wealthy orphan. The appointment does not meet with the w'islies of the sheriff, who covets the girl's ranch. O’Brien is supported in this western romance by Nell O’Day, an exceptionally attractive blondo; Betsy King Ross, nine-year-old dare dovil rider, and Frank Atkinson, one of the most humorous portrayers of cowboy roles who have been seen in many a day. David Howard handled the megaphone.