“YOUTH MARCHES ON”

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 10

“YOUTH MARCHES ON”

Unusual Film Showing In Wellington

A film of unusual history and inspiring theme was enthusiastically received at its first showing in a Wellington theatre last night. Entitled “Youth Marches On” the plot of the picture is based on the actual experiences of three young fellows —a cowboy, a truckdriver and a student —who go to a camp on the Canadian prairies where they meet others training to equip themselves for a new quality of national fitness.

In a brief introduction to the picture Mr. lau Macphail said “Youth Marches On” merited a little explanation, and as he had recently met and worked with the actors and producers abroad, he had been invited to tell something of the story and purpose behind it. “Youth Marches On” must be unique in that it was produced by a handful of young men who started with £35, no technical equipment, little, expetience and no guarantees. But in spite of its modest origin it had been shown in 500 cinemas in Great Britain alone. It had been screened in many other countries and had been translated into four languages. At its premiere in Canada it was shown in the House of Commons at the invitation of the Prime Minister and leaders of all parties. Its strength lay in its simplicity, said Mr. Macphail, but if it “got across” anything of the spirit of its actors and producers then it had succeeded in its objective. He also recommended a booklet edited by 11. IV. (Bunny) Austin, the English tennis player as giving the wider implications and purpose behind the film. The story tells of the adventures of the three young Canadians mentioned, first in the Oxford Group camp at Retina, then in London and at another camp near Oxford. With arresting music and striking photomontage effects the film stands on its own feet technically and with its message so urgently needed in these critical days it certainly justifies the interest and highly favourable comment it has met everywhere it has been publicly exhibited.