STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 449, 3 September 1928, Page 14

STRAND

“THE BUSH CINDERELLA” During the week the Strand Theatre has been packed to the doors with Auckland picturegoers who leave full of praise for New Zealand’s latest film production, “The Bush Cinderella,” New Zealand’s first big modern drama. “The Bush Cinderella” is a romantic drama, written by Mr. Henry Hayward and produced by Mr. Rudall Hayward, the Dominion’s pioneer film producer, who has made the most of his artistic skill and produced a film, which for sheer scenic and photographic beauty alone, would compare favourably with any American production. The film —or rather the short prologue to the film —commences in the year 1900, and deals with a young New Zealand orphan, who, following the death of her lover, who has been killed at the Boer War, is turned out of her home in disgrace by her guardian. After weeks of aimless wandering, numbed in mind and body, the little orphan finds refuge in a poor farmer’s home, and there at the sacrifice of her mother’s life a tiny baby is born. Years pass, and the little “Cinderella” has grown to a sunny-natured, charming maiden of 18 years. To the beautiful country district comes a young naval lieutenant, and the two young people are immediately attracted by one another. To relate the thrilling adventures that follow, would be to spoil the story for the many thousands of people desirous of viewing the film. It is sufficient to say that “The Bush Cinderella” is a film of which everyone should be proud. Dale Austen and Mr. Cecil Scott have the leading roles and are supported by a number of wellknown local artists. - As an introduction to the picture, Mr. Alf J. Lawrance and Miss Nell Crane present well-known New Zealand songs composed by Mr. Lawrance. Mr. Lawrance also conducts the Strand Symphony Orchestra in a brilliant orchestral novelty, “Bound the World in Ten Minutes.” Under the conductorship of Eve Bentley, the Strand Symphony Orchestra renders a delightful incidental programme of music, and specially features as its overture “Waiata Poi,” (Alfred Hill).