Round the Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 442, 25 August 1928, Page 18

Round the Shows

NEW ZEALAND’S OWN

“BUSH CINDERELLA” HAS SUCCESSFUL DEBUT Crowned by the unhesitating approbation of an Auckland audience, Mr. Rudall Hayward’s film, “The Bush Cinderella,” had a successful* premiere at the Strand Theatre yesterday. It was a big event so far as New Zealand film production, and it served to illustrate one point very well: New Zealand can produce a film that needs no coddling criticism. One does not have to be tolerant of faults because the production has admirable, impressive qualities of its own to force one to the conclusion that Mr. Hayward has succeeded in all he set out to do. He had difficulties to contend with, but his resource was sufficient to meet them all, and after seeing “The Bush Cinderella” all those who have any spontaniety in their natures must feel like congratulating New Zealand’s pioneer producer. New Zealand, artistically, is in a fluid state yet, but nevertheless it is heartening to see the various kinds of artistic activity going on, We have our art; our literature, tentative dramatic efforts and so on, but it has been ordained in the world to-day that ttfb big force shall be the films, for in film production all art is blended. If New Zealand is to make artistic progress, one can say without being didactic that this progress must come first through the films. The film can be the interpreter of our national life, and how effective an interpreter has been by Mr. Hayward. In “The Bush Cinderella” we have a film that may be sent abroad without quj in accurate detail one phase of New Zealand life. Naturaly enough there has to be a little lightening of melodramatic incident, but it is scarcely so obvious, say, as in some American films. The story itself is simple and direct. There are no distracting incidents which turn the mind from the development of the main theme. The photography is good, particularly In the bush scenes, where some beautiful “shots” are made. The producer’s principal difficulty has been with interior work, yet in spite of his handicaps he has done reasonably well. Mr. Hayward has accomplished something, and he needs no apologist far this first effort. Mary Makepeace Cameron, the heroine of the story, is a South African war baby. Her mother, the niece of an affluent Auckland Scot, leaves her uncle’s house after her lover goes over-

seas to war. The child is born at the Codlin homestead in the bush, and 18 happy years pass by before the real difficulties begin to come along. Old Cameron, the victim of the evil machinations of his private secretary, Michael Myrgatroyd, still hopes in his heart that he may be able to leave his niece’s child as heiress to his fortune. Myrgatroyd. however, has other ideas, and does not stop even at murder to carry them out. In the meantime, the bush Cinderella meets a naval officer who spends his leave in the quiet of the country, and he turns out to be the instrument through which she gains her rightful fortune. Miss Dale Austen, New Zealand’s own film actress, played the heroine as sweetly as any American star could have done. She was natural in her acting, and there was a delightful freshness in all her work. It was a little triumph for her, and may it be the prelude to many others. Mr. Cecil Scott was a handsome and convincing hero. His acting, too. was clear-cut and unaffected. Mr. A 1 Mack, as the hired hand Sammy, did a brfiliant piece of character work. Even the subordinate characters were excellently chosen, and the whole cast was admirably balanced. As a fitting prologue to New Zealand’s film, Mr. Alf J. Lawrence, a composer of New Zealand songs, asisted by Miss Nell Crane, sang a number of his own compositions, including “I’ve Lost My Heart in Maoriland,” “There’s a Little Maori Whare’’ and “Down the Wanganui.” Mr. Lawrence was also responsible for a first-rate orchestral novelty, “Round the World in Ten Minutes.” The incidental music, which included an excellent arrangement of ‘Waiata Poi,” was played by the Strand Orchestra under Miss Eve Bentley.

CLICK CLACK CABARET

Dancing will be enjoyed at the Click Clack Cabaret ths evening when the usual Saturday gala night will be held, with dancing from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Music will be supplied by Clyde Howley’s Orchestra.

THRILLS IN THE SHADOWS

EXCELLENT SPOOK-DRAMA AT MAJESTIC With spine-thrilling sensations packed into every yard, “A Thief in the Dark,” this week’s big attraction at the Majestic, leaves “The Bat,” “The Cat and the Canary,” “The Ghost Train,” and all the other modern thrillers far behind. It is concentrated mirth and mystery. From the opening beat of the bright march which is the musical introduction to a sterling programme, you know that you are going to enjoy yourself at the Majestic Theatre. Round “The Thief in the Dark” has been built up a display of supports which include a comedy, a merry Aesop fable, a nature study of Auck*land’s own zoological park and the latest Majestic News. There is also a suggestion of vaudeville, a tiny songstress singing two jazz numbers, “O Doris” and “O Papa,” and giving a neat dance. Crooks dangerous crooks have found that fake “spiritualism” is a very payable thing in “A Thief in the Dark.” Professor Zeno and his followers form a travelling show which preys on the gullible fcfik of country towns, an elaborate seance being arranged. The professor, who seems to be an expert gunman, has no qualms about the way he goes about stealing the country men’s money. The result is that a rich but eccentric old man, who lives with a beautiful niece, is done to death because of the jewels he collects. The murder takes place in an ancient house with secret passages, sliding doors, hidden chambers, trap-guns of a sufficient number and variety to satisfy any lover of mystery plays. The cast, headed by George Meeker and Gwen Lee and Marjorie Beebe, is an excellent one. Between the thrills and even with them is packed a plenitude of humour. The strong man of the travelling show, who is also an excellent pick-pocket, tries hand to reform, but his wandering fingers are always getting him into disgrace. “The Finishing Touch,’* a comedy starring that excellent duo of comedians, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, is the story of two builders who certainly “finish” the building. Slapstick comedy it is, but the very best of slap-stick. Rarely comes such delightful farce in such a novel setting. A photographer who knows his job has made a most interesting film of the Auckland Zoo, a Government publicity picture which has caught all kinds of novel incidents, including the “hippo-kiss.” The Majestic News once more brings the news of the world to Auckland. Keech, the American, goes tearing along the sands to break Campbell’s motor speed record, and thero are

close-ups of the German rocket car which, having reached 156 miles an hour in its first test, blew up. The world’s greatest horse race, the Grand Prix at Longchamps, is pictured, and the world’s biggest airplane, the British “Inflexible.” “Ruy Bias” (Mendelssohn) was played magnificently by the Majestic Orchestra under Mr. J. Whiteford Waugh. Incidental music included “Miranda,” a clarinet solo* and “Paradise is Mine,” a trombone solo. In the afternoon “Cinderella’s Honeymoon,” a melange of dance and music with 50 performers, is presented.

GRAND

MARY PICKFORD’S LATEST “Across to Singapore,” which stars Ramon Novarro, to be shown at the Grand Theatre this evening, is a vivid story of romance and adventure, laid on the high seas in New England, and in the mysterious Oriental melting-pot of Singapore. The new play is a graphic romance of the clipper ships, with Novarro as a young sailor, enmeshed in a strange love affair which leads to dramatic adventure. Much of the picture was filmed aboard the old clipper ship Narwahl, which put to sea with the company for a lengthy Pacific cruise, during which the sea scenes, including the terrific storm, the mutiny, and the attack of Oriental pirates were filmed. Joan Crawford plays the heroine of the new picture. Mary Bickford’s latest picture, “My Best Girl” will also be shown. A third picture is “If Youth But Knew/’ Those who have witnessed the special Fox production of “Monte Cristo.” based on Dumas’s undying novel, have declared it without hesitation to be a splendid photodrama, containing a cast of surprising excellence. Charming photography, sane sub-titles and costumes which serve to stimulate the fancy, are some of the contributing factors. John Gilbert portrays the role of Edmund Dantes.

PRINCE EDWARD

“BODY AND SOUL” The programme to be shown this evening at the Prince Edward Theatre is headed by Rin-Tin-Tin in his latest picture, “A Dog of the Regiment.’ l in which he plays the part of a Red Cross dog of the Germans, who for the sake of old friendship saves the life of an American ace, whose plane is wrecked and burning. Rinty afterwards escapes with his pal in an air-flight of many breath-taking thrills. “Body and Soul,” a dramatic story of romance in the Swiss mountains, will also be shown. Lionel Barrymore, Aiieen Pringle and Norman Kerry are in the leading roles.

OLD TIME DANCE O’NEILL ST. HALL, PONSONBY

One of the delightful old-fashioned old-time dances will be held at the O’Neill Street Hall. Ponsonby, this evening, with dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight. It is organised by the Grey Lynn Labour Party, and Peltridge’s Orchestra will be in attendance. Free buses are provided to Point Chevalier and Avondale after the dance.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR

THURSDAY’S CONCERT What should prove one of the most interesting programmes given by the Royal Auckland Choir vfill be presented at the Town .Halt on Thursday evening, when the choir, assisted by the Bohemian Orchestra.' will give a performance of Felicien David’s symphonic ode, “The Desert.” Part songs and orchestral numbers will also be given. The assisting programme will consist of Herbert’s “Irish Rhapsody,” played by the Bohemian Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Colin Mus/on’,,L'R ’ A ’ M ’ : part son ß. “Beleaguered” (fcullivan); solo, “Di Mimi,” from Boheme,” sung by Miss Christine Ormiston; part song, “Two *7” a , llEi , : Part song, “Great is Jehovah” (Schubert); solo, “To the Forest" (Tschaikowsky), sung by Miss Ormiston; part song, “Battle Prayer” (Starck); and serenade, “In the Heavens (Otto). In connection with the ode, a descriptive monologue will be given by Mr. T. Harris, and the soloists will be Messrs. A. K. Wrigley, W. Walter, and A: Fogerty. The box plans open at Lewis Eady’s. Ltd., on Tuesday.