‘ROMANTIC NEW ZEALAND’

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 20

‘ROMANTIC NEW ZEALAND’

REMARKABLE FILM AT GRAND In order that patrons who had not seen the engrossingly interesting * Romantic New Zealand/ the management of the Grand Theatre wisely decided to extend its season, and the large attendance that witnessed it last night enjoyed every minute of it. The film is not_ only enjoyable but also offers educational possibilities which cannot be ignored. The photographic side of the production is artistically and competently achieved, while the studies of natural bird life form some of the most interesting features of the film. ‘ Romantic New Zealand ’ deals with the country from the point of view of the historian, the admirer of scenic gems, the sportsman, the bird lover, and the student of the Maori and his customs. Indeed, it is by far the most comprehensive record of its kind that has ever been made in New Zealand. It was produced by_ Trucolour Films Limited, in co-operation with the Government Tourist and Publicity Department, and no effect was spared to make the production as successful as possible. Much of the scenery is filmed by the Trucolour process, a New Zealand invention, . which fully lives up to the claim that it records natural colours to perfection. The period from the time of the early Polynesian voyages and the subsequent discoveries of Tasman and Cook, down through the eventful days of last century, right through to the present time, is vividly presented. In the opening scenes the life of the Maori before the arrival of the white man is graphically depicted, and from time to time the picturesque Native reappears in demonstration of his methods of cooking, playing, and fighting. The picture goes on to describe the discovery of Now Zealand, first by Abel Tasman, and then by Cook, and some of the oldest buildings in the dominion—those in the Bay of Islands—are shown, as is the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Modern New Zealand is the next subject of the production, and the audi-

ence is transported by air over Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, and Christchurch. In the first city the magnificent harbour is the principal centre of interest, while Wellington’s attractive seaside resorts, Dunedin’s stately architectural triumphs, and the beauty of Christchurch’s willow-bordered Avon are the main features of the other cities. I Bushfelling, surveying, road-making in the back country, the hectic life of the early gold-diggings all come to life again on the silver screen, with sound, colour, and bright descriptive talk to give the absolute atmosphere of the period depicted. Stage by stage the picture leads one on through the country’s development to the New Zealand of to-day with its progressive cities and busy ports. As a wonderful background, Die majestic splendour of our scenery runs through the whole picture. Towering alpine peak and dazzling glacier, stupendous fiord walls and grim volcanic peaks form the setting for the human interest that makes the film a living story throughout. The big-game fishing in northern waters is shown with all its thrills, while the salmon fishing in Lake Te Anau and the trout fishing in Lake Taupo are shown in a manner most attractive to the sportsman. The winter sports at Mount Cqok and Tongariro National Park, and on the mighty glaciers of the Southern Alps also receive a prominent place in the production, the mountain scenery in all parts «t the country being displayed to excellent advantage. The concluding scenes of the film are a number of scenic gems, with a Maori choir singing a plaintive song of farewell. The supporting pictures are varied and entertaining.