ST. JAMES THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 283, 24 August 1940, Page 7

ST. JAMES THEATRE

Because of the real Australian flavour about them, the Dad and Dave films, produced by Cinesouud, have always had a special appeal to New Zealand audiences, and it is not surprising, therefore, that the latest of this highly popular series, “Dad Rudd, M.P.,” has been retained for a further week at the St. James Theatre. In its general slickness of production, which gives to the narrative a smooth flow that his never been bettered in an Australian film, “Dad Rudd. M.P.” stands out from its forerunners. Sets and lighting are excellent, and the acting has none of that stagey stiffness that, marred earlier attempts.

There is a great irrigation dam to be built, but times are hard and money is short. At 150 feet the dam does'all that is expected of it, so far as the wealthy squatters ure concerned, but it i> still Of little use to,the small-holders farther down the river, whose existence and farming work alternates discouragingly between drought, and flood. The Rudd's wealthy neighbour, Webster, is determined that no more money shall be spent, and the argument, quickly becomes a political issue when a Parliamentary by-election is called for. Dad (Bert Bailey) is persuaded to stand in the interests of the small farmer, but finds, as soon ns he starts electioneering, that his rival owns the local newspaper, and has enough money to ruin such of Dad's posters as he is able to put up. Time and time again Dad sets out for a meeting, only to find that it has been called off by fake notices of cancellation. With the aid of a la-di-dah store-owner, whose heart is in the right place, even if, as Dad says, his brains are in his pants, Dad does win the election, and in an impassioned speech in the House wins his point. The story, with a romance between Ann Rudd and young Webster ao a sidetheme, serves very well as a medium for a riotous melange of humour, gags and practical jokes. It, starts in fine style when Dave, something of an inventor, fits a cylinder of laughing gas to the new gas-stove, blows a hole in the roof, and looses a gnlc of laughter which puts the story in a high key of amusement, which is scarcely relaxed all the way through.