ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 14

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

'Tall Timbers."

For many reasons "Tall Timbers," which, opens at the St. James Theatre tomorrow, is the biggest, production attempted by Cinesound. In the first place, location work entailed travelling over greater distances than for any other picture. Moreover, a bigger company and* more equipment had to be transported. The work involved in shooting the thrilling and spectacular "timber drive," the most astounding climax ever presented on the screen, when fifty acres of towering forest giants crash with thunder-like roars into the valley below—the explosion of the timber train bridge, and other exciting sequences—was more difficult and arduous than any previous effort. In addition, the crowd scenes were the biggest yet photographed. In the studio, a set of record dimensions was erected. This was a gum tree forest, and included bush cabins, with yards, fences, and all the evidence of rough habitation. Then there were more pretentious, more luxurious bungalows, with gardens built in the bush setting. Because of the many short sequences in different sets, the sets had to be demolished and replaced with great speed, so that the shooting schedule should not be delayed. As many as five different sets were standing in the studio at one time —another record. Again, a greater variety of "exteriors" were built within the studios. These ranged from a huge rock cavern, down which "rain" poured most realistically, to a surfing beach, on which bathers lounged and sunbaked under the arc lamps. A splendid story, robust in character, yet full of happy romance, bubbling with humour, is interpreted by an exceptional cast which includes Frank Leighton, Shirley Ann. Richards, Frank Harvey. Campbell Copelin, Harvey' Adams, Aileen Britton, Joe Valli, Letty Craydon. Ronald Whelan, and George Lloyd. -