STRAND THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 153, 19 September 1927, Page 15

STRAND THEATRE

“HIS NATURAL LIFE” Excellent entertainment is offered at the Strand Theatre where, in response to public demand, the screen version of Marcus Clarke’s story, "For the Term of His Natural Life,” is being screened for a short extended season. The elaborate settings, the excellent camera work, the faithfulness to historical detail, all mark the dawn of a new era in Australian film production. The picture possesses many spectacular features. The big riot scene, where the convicts overpower their warders, is realistically done, as is also the burning and blowing up of the powder ship Hydaspes, which catches fire on its way out from England. The numerous escapes of Rufus Dawes and other prisoners add plenty of daring adventure and suspense. The film was produced on the exact spots where all the action of the story is laid, and there is a faithful reproduction of the entire Tasmanian settlement. The relentless cruelty of the old penal system is depicted with much realism. Preceding the photoplay is an atmospheric prologue by the renowned Lyric Quartette. Probably one of the most attractive feature of the programme is the special orchestral score which has been arranged by Eve Bentley for the popular Strand Symphony Orchestra. Among; the favourite numbers included in this grand musical combination are Tschaikowsky’s “Meditation.” Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony,” Massenet’s “Elegie,” Wieniawski’s “Romance” and Gladsanowski's “Meditation.” “The Rose” (English Airs) is specially featured as the overture, and is greeted with enthusiastic applause nightly.