REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“DADD RUDD, M.P.” Bert Bailey has made four pictures for Australia’s Cinesound Studios. Three of them have left their indelible mark throughout Australasia, and the fourth, “Dad Rudd, M.P.,” will be shown tonight at the Regent Theatre. Whilst the underlying motif of “Dad Rudd, M.P..” is necessarily comedy, there is much more to its enter-tainment-appeal than guffaws around the cowshed. A note of national importance is struck by the introduction of the problem of water conservation for the man on the land —the aspect, indeed, which motivates “Dad Rudd’s” political aspirations. It was the broad treatment of this that necessitated a month’s location at Camden and again, a week at the Woronora Dam, currently in construction, and finally, a day’s shooting in State Parliament House. Thus is “Dad Rudd, M.P.,” a notable new Australian picture. But its main claim to attention is the fact that once again it brings back the inimitable Rudd Family, who have won justifiable esteem because of thenability to provide entertainment that is lighthearted, wholesome and sincere. The cast was carefully chosen and, for the most part, the Rudd Family remain identical to the former series. Under the paternal wing of the be-whiskered Bert Bailey there are Mum (Connie Martyn); Dave (Fred McDonald), Joe (Ossie Wenban), Sally (Valerie Scanlan), and his eldest daughter, Ann, played by Yvonne East, the titian-haired Melbourne actress who makes her screen debut in the film. The comedy character of “Cedric Entwistle” is again played in uproarious manner by Alec Kellaway, whilst Grant Taylor, discovered by Cinesound at its own Talent School is the romantic “Jim Webster,” who finally unites the two families by marrying “Dad’s” daughter. Grant Taylor’s screen “father” is Frank Harvey, stage and screen veteran, who also wrote the scenario. A notable newcomer ig Barbara Weeks, Hollywood actress with some 40 American films to her credit. An excellent array of featurettes include the latest overseas news, an all-colour scenic “Peru,” a Pathe Pictorial of variety items, and a beautiful study of the English countryside. Plans are at Steele and Bull’s and the Theatre and early reservations are essential.