"GINGER MICK"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10608, 5 June 1920, Page 9

"GINGER MICK"

AT THE KING'S. A crowded attendance viewed Li initial screening of the picturised v.. sion of C. J. Dennis's iamous Aiist.;. lian poem, "Ginger Mick," at the Ki-iia Theatre last evening. At the outset, i may be stated that the production ; quite a .triumph in. cinematograuhio a«, i the principals in the play being, most life-like characterisations, the acting is convincing, the episodes well balanced and adequately treated, the photographic quality not inferior to the best oversea alms, and above all the story is artistically treated. Dennis's inimitable versos serve as sub-titles for the various incidents, and the ripples, ot laughter when many of these lines appeared on the screen evidenced a spontaneous appreciation of the gifts of the author. The story is a clover conception affording opportunities for the study of the contraetinu? qualities of the tvpical Australian larrikin. "Ginger Mick" is a living entity—an exact repiioaof thousands of a certain class o( individual associated with slum life in the Australian oities. Mick is a 'boon comrade of "The Sentimental Bloke," who has settled down as a small farmer neaa Sydiney. Thoir friendship survives the "Bloke's" reformation and they meet regularly at the market, where the "Bloke" delivers his produce and Mick goes to purchase the rabbits, which he hawks in the city streets. One follows the vicissitudes of Mick . through his .adventures in the city until ultimately he enlists to 'go to the front. The "Bloke" with ins wife, Doreen, and their little son are shown in thoir daily routine ou J .ho farm and many are the amusing happenings that occur there. Miok finds 6otdieting not uncongenial, although military discipline and the strangeness of lis new companions enable him to widen l-.i« experiences. He is seen landing with his comrades under « hail, of shells and bullets at Gallipoli. The trench warfare, however, thoroughly disgusts him, and lie protests vehemently against living in burixiws likp the very rabbits he used to hawk in Sydney. He unburdens his soul in letters to the "Bloke," and the utmost limit is reached, he writes, when he receives a present from Sydney of a rabbit-skin coat.for wearing in the trenches. One day a clergyman brings the sad news to Mick J 6 fiancee that he has priven his life for his country. The "Bloke" also receives the sad news of the death of lm old pal, and the heroic charge of 'Mick with Its fatal terminv tion is vividly visualised. Light end shade, laughter, and tears are stilfuil? alternated throughout the production, which occupied about two lours in ihe screening. Mr 33.- J. Carroll, tinder whose a-aspi'ws this new feature has been produced, ia deserving of the highest eulogium for his enterprise, the success of which from a showman's standpoint is completely as* sured. An enjoyable prelude was pre vided hv Mr Fraser Thomson, who fcave an excerpt from Dennis's "Ginger Mick." which was thoroughly ; meritorious. The auxiliary films comprised a lensrthy "Gazetted "Winter Sports 'in Quebec, No. 2," and '""Wet and Dry" comedy. A much appreciated feature was the overture "William Tell" (\?ossini) by tho King's grand, orchestra, which also contributed well-selected numbers during the screening.. There ">:ill bo a full orohestral matinee of "Ginger Mick"- to-day, and a repetition this <vening.