ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 51, 23 November 1928, Page 6

ARCTIC ADVENTURE

A WONDERFUL FILM. A remarkable film of wild life and adventure in the Arctic region was shown at a private screening at the Government Publicity Office projection theatre, last night. The picture, which is entitled “Lost in the Arctic,” will be released by the Fox Film Corporation for public exhibition in January. It deals with the adventures of an expedition organised by H. A. and Sidney Snow, to clear up the mystery of a party of men from Stefansson’s ship, the Karluk, who were lost in the Arctic in 1913-14. The Karluk set out in 1913, and in August was caught in the ice north of Behring Strait. After a driftof 1000 miles, the ship was crushed, and sank near Herald Island, which lies north of Siberia, the fate of eight men being unknown. The film shows the departure of the Snow expedition from San Francisco, and its progress up the coast of Alaska, and through the Behring Strait to Nome. The wild scenery and the teeming bird and animal life are depicted in a series of remarkable pictures. There are “close-ups” of nesting birds, of herds of seals, and of a stampede of 7000 reindeer on one island visited. There is a thrilling whale hunt, with an exciting kill by means of a hand-thrown harpoon from the ship’s boat, and flensing of the whale at an Alaskan shore station is also shown. Then the little ship weathers a wild storm in the Arctic ocean, and later enters the pack-ice. There follow some remarkable pictures of a walrus hunt by Eskimos in two frail kayaks lashed together, the stalking of the animals being very clearly shown. Thajchase and ultimate capture alive of a huge polar bear provides many thrills, as does the perilous progress of the ship through the iefe floes until desolate Herald Island is sighted. The final scenes vividly describe the landing on the island, the finding of the remains, of the lost Karluck party and the hoisting of the American flag over their burial place. “Lost in the Arctic” is splendidly photographed throughout, and apart front its tragic interest, is a notable presentation of the dangers of polnr navigation, of Eskimo life and of Arctic natural history.

“A TALE OF OLD JAPAN.” For its third concert this season the Royal Wellington Choral Union, under Mr. John Bishop’s direction, will render Coleridge Taylor’s “A Tale of Old Japan,” In the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The use of orchestral colouring has always been a great feature of Coleridge Taylor's art. and two of the most popular works ever written by British composers are undoubtedly his "Hiawatha” and “A Tale of Old Japan." The soloists secured for the work have been well chosen: —Soprano, Miss Naomi Whalley; contralto, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews; tenor. Mr. Roy Hill; and baritone, Mr. Lett Barnes. The final rehearsal will take place at the Town Hall to-night. The box plan can be inspected at the Bristol, where two-shilling tickets are also available. “QUEEN OF SHEBA” DANCE. To assist the campaign for raising funds for the Art Gallery and Museum, the supporters of the queen representing commerce and the professions (Miss Alison Kirkcalilie). are holding a dance and bridge partv in the Adelphi Cabaret this evening. Various novelties and balloons will be distributed free amongst the guests. Tickets may be purchased at the door. RETURN OF MANUEL HYMAN. Manuel Hyman, the well-known jazz violinist, is at present In Wellington, after a successful engagement as musical director of the Ambassadors, Sydney. Mr. Hyman has been secured by the Adelphi Cabaret for one week only, and he will plav at the cabaret commencing to-morrow night, when a special Manuel Hyman gala will be held. Always versatile and entertaining, this clever young violinist is said to have added a considerable number of entertaining items to his already extensive repertoire during his sojourn abroad, and he may be relied upon to provide an attractive entertainment at the cabaret during the coming week. The second and final Manuel Hyman gala night will be held on Wednesday, November 28. In addition, Mr. Hyman will appear at every afternoon session next week, commencing on Monday.