"THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 26, 25 October 1919, Page 8

"THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE"

CHIPPING ROMANCE OF THE SLUMS. ' , When. Mr. C. J. Dennis wrote "The Sentimental Bloke" some six years ago he reveaiod in masterstrokes of humour and sentiment a new world of Australian character to the vast majority of those who read verse. Tho human truth and sincerity of this romance cf tho Sydney slums, are so apt and faithful and expressive,' the'uso of ; vernacular of the Aus-' tralain "tough,"- 60 irresistible the-odd humour and unorthodox situations, so clear and sweet the moral behind it all, that tho verses were acclaimed not only/ in Australia, but in Eugland and America, where almost without exception tho reviews were highly laudatory. Recently the idea of visualising "The Sentimental Bloke" on the screen was conceived in Adelaide,, and with Mr. Dennis's permission tho thought was given expression to, and the product, was exhibited for tho first time in New Zealand at tho King's Theatre last evening, under the negis of Mr. E. J. Carroll. Tho theatre was packed to the doors, and the consensus of opinion was that "Tho Sentimental Bloke" is the best picture ever produced in Australia. It embodies in a new and altogether unique setting the fundamentals' of life—work, love, jealousy, courtship, and marriage—enacted by Bill (Mr. Arthur Tauchert) and Doreen (Miss Lottie Lycll), with unconscious art. Tho pair are as true as steel to type, and as many scenes are tho real thing—parts of Paddington, Sydney, nuy be recognised—there is nothing "flakey" or unreal about the settings. The outstanding feature of tho picture is its humour. ' It ambles along to the ear-tickling slangy measures of Dennis's o'.ever verses, to the accompaniment of gurgling laughter from all parts of the house, and when treacly sentiment runs hand in hand with unintentional, yet none tho less screaming comedy, tho tears must flow. The picture commences with Bill "mooching" through life, getting "shick" and doing in his gilt "heading 'em." Whilst at the latter (janie the "joint" is • raided and Bill is "1)1110116(1." The gaolbars take it out of him, and when he comes out he gets thinking hard under the trees in ■ the Doniaim lie decides to "take a pull." His good intentions lead him to the hawking business, and it is down at the markets where lie first "lamps" Doreen "inspecting brums on Steeney Isaac's stall." Bill, is struck, all of a bean, and attempts to speak to her, but is killed -with a look. Lovelorn William then ascertains that his Doreen works at a pickle foundry, and squares a pal to give him an introduction to her. Having bren dulv introduced, Bill makes the running, and finding her to be "the straiglitest tart" becomes her ndoriiicf slave, Then comes along the "stror 'at coot," who makes eyes at Doreon, and arouses the rasing yellow devil in Bill, who "stouches" hira in the Rushnutter's Bay reserve. Doreen is shocked at Bill's brutality, and casts him off temporarily, which causes Bill to revert to tho "sliick" habit in his worry. It i'o°s downhill with him until his pal, Ginger Mick, invites him to a party where there is "lots of skirt and singing." nnd there Bill meets Doreen again, and is utterly vanquished by her singing of the ballad, "The Curse of a Aching 'Earl"—a .scene bubbling with comedy—ripest comedy. After the party Bill and Doreen make it upland Bill, in light boots and his first stiff collar, is introduced to Doreon's "mar." The wed. ding is a deliciously funny scene, but absolutely to the life. Then comes, in turn, Bill's one bad break: the death of "mar," tho visit of the old Uncle, Jim from the country; the migration to tho fruit, farm; the birth of the baby—and content amon'i the a mile trees in tho sunlit Australian valley.

The producer, Mr. Raymond Lonpford,has made a siirprisinjr success of the screening of the room, and if I lie verses wore a world-wide success, the picture (which embodies many of lliem as running sub-titles) should have an even wider nnpeal. Best of all thero is nothin* offensive or the least euggestivo in the "Bloke," and the story can l)o cnioyed by all classes and ages. As a lirelude to the picture Mr. W. W. Crawford sang "I've Chucked ini tho Push for tho Donah" (comnosed by the late Mr. Leon Baron for the late Mr. E. J. liOimen, of the London Gaiety Co.). and sang it: well, and Mies Mario Newman sang "The Curse of an Aching 'Eart" in the comical party scene. Tho incidental music was arranged by Mr. L. D. Austin, and is admirably played by a sound orchestra. There will bo two screenings to-day, at 2.30 p.m. and 8 11.111., and two each day next week.