“WHITE DEATH”

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 42, 13 November 1936, Page 14

“WHITE DEATH”

TpROM an educational as well as en■L tertainment point of view, “White Death,” which was screened privately in Wellington a few days ago, ranks high among recent films to reach the Dominion. Written by the one and only Zane Grey, and picturesquely set among the beauties of the Australian coast round the Great Barrier Reef, this all-Australian production marks a definite step forward in the film industry of that country. One outstanding feature of the film is its authenticity both in story and background. The story is enthralling, the dialogue good, the speaking excellently clear, and the photography brilliant, particularly in some of the scenic shots and those of Zane Grey “fighting” the denizens of the deep.

Zane Grey fills the male lead, supported by Harold Colonna and John Weston, abundant humour being provided by Alfred Frith, who will be remembered for his comedy work in J. C. Williamson’s “White Horse Inn,” which toured New Zealand some months ago. Nola Warren, a typical out-of-doors Australian beauty, is the only woman in the picture, and, although a newcomer to the screen, her natural manner and radiant personality make up for a great deal of her inexjierience. For her first film she deserves the highest praise and should forge ahead as the result of this production. Some of the highlights of Hie picture are provided by close-ups of savage aboriginals in full war-dress, executing their wild dances and weird religious rites, with Nature’s tropical beauty as a background. For clever photography, the shots of Zane Grey in his launch, Avalon, fighting for hours on end with huge sharks and swordfish, take a deal of beating, while the underwater shots are brilliant and most effective.

Produced by Barrier Reef Productions and directed by Edwin G. Bowen, “White Death” should draw large houses wherever it is screened, and it can truly be said that a service would be rendered if special arrangements were made for older school-children to see this great and authentic out-of-door film.