TALKIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 57, 25 February 1949, Page 3

TALKIES

News, Views and S?©ft«4la®®naisag iSvemte

Film Of The Week “THE WOMAN IN THE HALL” The J. Arthur Rank production “The Woman in the Hall” marks the first film to come from a new British production company—Wessex Film Production Ltd. “The Woman in the Hall” is an unusual story—that of a widow left with two small daughters, who resorts to begging from rich people, as a means of support. Having once begged, she cannot resist the temptation to continue, even when in funds, and she prides herself on having an “artistic” streak in her, for being able to spin pathetic tales to her “victims,” and putting them over so well. The psychological effect of her activities on her two daughters is very obvious as the girls grow up, and their reactions provide an unusual twist to the story. “The Woman in the Hall” was adapted from G. B. Stern’s famous novel, and directed by Jack Lee. The latter worked on various documentaries during the war with pro-

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ducer lan Dalrymple, but this is his first directional assignment of a feature film. Lorna Blake, the young widow, is portrayed by Ursula Jeans, who gives a very sincere performance, and lives the part of the woman who uses her children to gain her own ends throughout the whole of her life. Cecil Parker gives a first-class performance as the unfortunate, wealthy baronet who falls for Lorna’s pathetic tale to the extent of marrying her, but later denounces her, and is . the means of his step-daughter’s salvation. Lovely little Jean Simmons takes the part of Jay Blake. Her desire is to be able to give things to people, instead of having to be the one to accept them all the time. “Eureka Stockade” Premiere On Australia Day 1 f Chips Rafferty, producer Michael Balcon and director Harry Watt, the team that made “The Overlanders,” have combined to make Ealihg Studios’ second Australian film, “Eureka Stockade.” The film had its premiere on January 26, Australia Day. The Eureka Stockade incident happened in the 1850’s, when a big gold reef was discovered in Victoria. The “rush” created by the discovery was so great that the whole economic system of the country was threatened. Steps were taken to deal with the situation and the miners, considering themselves persecuted, banded together in a Digger’s Reform League. There was a showdown between the diggers and the police near the Eureka Mine. The diggers built a primitive stockade, hoisted their own flag, the Southern Cross, and fought with hancL-made weapons. They were defeated, but in defeat they won victory. Their stand caused such a public outcry that they won their case and their rights. The film was made in Australia. New Italian Moving* Pictures Receive Very High Praise Italian moving pictures are the most impressive in postwar Europe, Mr B. B. Kreisler, Hollywood film executive, who is conducting a survey of the motion picture industry in 17 European countries, said in London. Mr Kreisler )f who is not studying British film production, is making the survey on behalf of the Harvard School of Business Administration. “Without any doubt, the greatest renaissance in the postwar film industry has taken place in Italy,” he said. “The Italians have achieved stark realism in their treatment of everyday things of life—the need for food and shelter “The greatest tendency I have noticed in postwar film production is the ever-increasing interest,

which governments are taking in the industry,” Mr Kreisler said. “In some countries of eastern Europe, the state-controlled filpn industry is developing into a propaganda machine, but everywhere governments are encouraging film production.” Mr Kreisler’s main conclusion after visiting Europe was: “On every side, public and government interest in the possibilities, artistic and commercial, of the cinema is increasing.” Ann Blyth Hates Corsets Ann Blyth is one film star who will fight to her last breath before giving in to any styles requiring a corset. Now appearing in her first costume picture, “Another Part Of the Forest” Ann is wearing a corset for the first time. And she doesn’t like any part of the “iron jacket.” “Corsets are absolutely inhuman,” declares the actress. “While I was wearing one for the picture I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t take a deep breath, in fact I couldn’t even sit down comfortably.” CARTOONS IN BRITAIN Main stars of the David Hand Animaland cartoon series this year will be Ginger Nutt, Loopy Hare, Corny Crow and Dusty Mole. Most of the films will centre in these four characters.

Marriage, which makes two one, is a lifelong struggle to discover which is that one.—Anon.