Truly British

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 980, 24 May 1930, Page 25

Truly British

LONDON THEATRE POLICY “ High Treason ” is First Picture A VALUABLE barometer of public opinion in relation to British films will be provided henceforth by the London Theatre, Queen Street, which has inaugurated a policy of screening exclusively productions made under the Union Jack. The first show under the new conditions was given yesterday. The London has been known in the past as the Little Grand Theatre. The first of its British films, now showing, is a Gaumont talkie, “High Treason,” of which much has been said abroad.

HE decision to devote a City theatre entirely to British films is both a move of importance in the motion picture business of New Zealand

and an original step on the part ot the exhibitor, Mrs. Henry Hayward. For the first time British productions will stand, entirely on their merits. Their "pulling” power may be gauged accurately under average conditions; not estimated vaguely, as in the past, by occasional outstanding successes—and failures. There is every justification for the prediction of a successful future for the London. Unquestionably British pictures are improving by leaps and bounds, and public appreciation is swinging toward them with increasing emphasis. People demand good films whether they be made in America, England, Russia, or Timbuktu. Consequently, better and brighter British achievements are attracting better and brighter audiences. Take the case of “High Treason.” The London could not have selected a better vehicle with which to begin its patriotic enterprise. Made by Gaumont, this all-dialogue, romantic forecast of the world a decade hence appeals directly to one’s imagination. EVENTS IN 1940 The story tells of events in the year 1940 when war is imminent between the “Federated Atlantic States” and the “United States of Europe.” International financiers hasten the climax by destroying the Channel Tunnel.

Two lovers are pitted against each other by the pending conflict. Evelyn Seymour Is working for peace, while Major Michael Deane is opposed to the principles of the European Peace League. Mobilisation takes place on both sides, but war Is averted at the eleventh hour by Evelyn’s father, who shoots and kills the chief troublemaker. For this action he is tried and condemned to death. A fascinating picture, fascinatingly produced. Not the least of “High Treason’s” attractions are Its fashion predictions, created carefully and logically by well-known designers. PRINCIPAL PLAYERS The principal players are Jameson Thomas, as the major, and Benita Hume as Evelyn. Both speak and act exceedingly well and receive able support from a large and admirablyselected cast. Dr. Seymour is played by Humberstou Wright, and Basil Gill has an important part. In the best traditions, “High Treason” includes a theme song, “March On to Peace,” and an attractive number, “There's Nothing New in Love.” London ten years hence has been visualised and artificially created in most interesting fashion, aviation plays an important part, wonderful new devices for International communication are shown, and radical changes in architectural and artistic design are suggested. “High Treason” Is in every way a British production of importance, and the first season of the London Theatre should prove a popular one.