STRAND THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 152, 17 September 1927, Page 11

STRAND THEATRE

PRISON STORY'S SECOND WEEK lUvui" been screened for a week to pelted houses, ‘For the Term of His Natural Life,” the immortal classic by Marcus Clarke, last night entered into its second week. The theatre was again packed, and there is little doubt that this* production will continue to draw for the remainder of the season. When it is considered that “The Term” is the first production from Australian studios, there can be only praise for the manper in which it has been proiuced. The subject is not exactly a lappy one, but the story provides any amount of scope for the artists. A fen ure is the photography and the scenery of bush and seascapes. The cast is headed by Eva Novak,

who was brought from America for the production. She gives a wonderful portrayal of the role of Sylvia, the daughter of the prison commandant. George Fisher plays admirably the part of Rufus Dawes, the innocent man sent to the colony for “The Term/*

and also the role of Johnx Rex, his double. The most is made by Mr. Fisher of his opportunities, and a creditable result has been obtained. Others in the cast are Marion Marcus Clarke, Jessica Harconrt, Compton Coutts, Gerald Kay Souper, Arthur McLaglen. Katherine Dawn, Mayne Lynton and Beryl Gow. besides a host of others. The wrongful imprisonment of Richard Devine, who calls himself Rufus Dawes, his journey to the prison at McQuarrie Island, and his subsequent tortures and life of misery, go to form the story. In no respect does the picture disappoint. With rapidity the picture flashes from one scene to another “The Term” promises to be a big attraction and should be but the forerunner to more and better Australian productions. The Lyric Quartette feature the song for ‘The Term of His Natural Life” as * prologue. A good supporting programme is also screened.