AUSTRALIAN OFFICER ENTERS THE MOVIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 412, 21 July 1928, Page 23

AUSTRALIAN OFFICER ENTERS THE MOVIES

NEW NAVAL PRODUCER

One of the Royal Australian Navy’s most popular officers, Commander Harry Bennett, D. 5.0., of H.M.A.S. Platypus, is to retire very shortly after 26 years* service. He is to turn his attention to making movies. Artist, writer, aeronaut, expert navigator. Commander Bennett's career has been distinguished, and he was an acquisition to the R.A.X . having for five years been in command of the Geranium survey sloop, which did splendid survey work around the Australian coast. Commander Bennett has decided to enter the realm of motion pictures, not as an actor, but as a producer. He considers that there Is a great chance for the motion picture industry in Australia. and Intends to devote his time toward making Australian pictures. Doubtless there will be some naval pictures included if the commander has his way, for he loves the service. As Lieutenant Harry Bennett he was navigating officer of the lI.M S. Canopus when she was at the Falkland Islands during the famous battle in which Admiral Sturdee sank the German warships which sent Admiral Cradock to his death at Coronel in 1914. With the State Governor, Sir Dudley de Chair. Commander Bennett was present at the Regent Theatre to see re-enacted the deeds of his old ship in the British Admiralty film, “The Battles of Coronel and the Falkland Islands.”