PENWOMEN'S DEBATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 177, 29 July 1939, Page 12

PENWOMEN'S DEBATE.

"TALKIES" VERSUS STAGE. LEGITIMATE THEATRE AFFECTED. "There was not more than a smear of lipstick or a dab of powder between any of the contestants in this debate," declared the judge, Mr. E. Aldridge, when adjudicating on the merits of the rival speakers in the debate between member* of the Pen women's Club and the Auckland Repertory Theatre yesterday. Mesdames Wallace Smith, Kelsev and Lovatt, representing the Auckland Repertory Theatre, took the affirmative side of the question "that the talkies have had a detrimental effect on the legitimate theatre," and were opposed by Mesdames Booth and Fisher and Miss Pat Boyle on behalf of the Penwomen. The arguments of the affirmative attacked the mechanical nature of film displays, and minimised the kaleidoscopic changes and marvellous scenic effect* which distinguish the modern talkie as being merely artificial amplifications of unrealities. They contended that the general effect of cinema displays was prejudicial to the genuine histrionic* and the living emotions of the legitimate stage. High Cultural Agency. The negative side defended modem screen magic as being a cultural agency of the highest value, claiming that nothing but the talkies could have induced so widespread a dissemination of dramatic masterpieces, and that the reflex of this culture would ultimatelv prove beneficial to the "living" theatre." In, his summing-up the adjudicator complimented the speakers on their vivid and studious contributions to the discussion, and after analysing their individual accomplishments of voice, diction, stance and presentation, he awarded the honours of the debate to the Repertory Theatre- team by the narrow margin of three points. As an appreciation of his services to the gathering the president, Mrs. Nello Porter, presented the judge with her own badge and nominated him as an honorary member of the Penwomen's Club, which he humorously construed as a reward "for valour."