PRIVATE SCREENING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 194, 14 May 1936, Page 14

PRIVATE SCREENING

0N a recent evening the much-herald-cd Cinesound production, “The Thoroughbred,” featuring the American actress, Helen Twelvetrees, was screened privately in Wellington to an audience that was quick to realise that here was something right out of the ordinary so far as Australian Hirns are concerned. "The Thoroughbred” is a typical Australian show—the story, settings and all the cast —with the exception of Miss Twelvetreesbeing Australian, and during the course of the film’s several thousand feet, the audience is treated to some wonderful views of the Australian countryside, some really exciting shots of Randwick on a race day and last, but by no means least, a number of breathtaking pictures taken during the running of the Melbourne Cup. These scenes at the famous Flemington course are alone well worth going to see, the actual racing pictures being among the most natural ever filmed. Then there are some wonderful shots of the stands and the thousands and thousands of racegoers. The story deals with tlio adventures of a group of people and their race horse, “Stonnalong,” which, after numerous adventures. wins the Melbourne Cup and is fatally shot just as it passes the post. Miss Twelvetrees gives a really delightful performance, and is fresh and girlish throughout the entire film. Nellie Barnes, the young Australian stage actress, proves herself to be an excellent comedienne, and Frank Leighton, who is well known on the stage both in Australia and New Zealand, is also in good form. t John Longdon is well cast, and two remarkably fine characterisations are given by Nellie Ferguson and Harold Meade. Les Warton also shines as a somewhat “Ned Sparks” type of comedian. “The Thoroughbred” is certainly a triumph for Australia, and should go ar to popularise the products of that great country.