AUSTRALIAN WIN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 44, 20 August 1938, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN WIN

"THE BROKEN MELODY"

The time is coming—indeed, it has arrived—when the word Australian before a film will be its best advertisement. The Commonwealth's entry into the picture world was atj tended by natural mistakes and J shallowness of plots, but the Austra- [ lian film producers have long since 1 graduated into the top entertainment i class. A few weeks ago there was "Let George Do It," an excellent example of crisp and clever comedy; now, at the St. James Theatre, is "The Broken Melody," the complete answer to Australia's critics and proof that Australia has no lack of adequate writers and movie talent. An important factor, it would seem, in the standard that has been reached, is the limited output from Commonwealth studios. Instead of putting mediocre films on the market,, the producers limit the number of productions and put all they know into each. The improvement has been remarkable, both technically and in acting; stories are balanced and deep, ideas are fresh; and there is a welcome freedom from Hollywood's supersophistication. Heading the cast of "The Broken Melody" are Lloyd Hughes and Diana dv Cane, both of whom give excellent performances. The former, as John Ainsworth, is sent down from Sydney University because of a too violent celebration of a boat race win; a girl crooner, Ann Brady (a part taken by Diana), is insulted, and John's defence of her leads to a first-class brawl and a wrecked night club. Told to leave home by his father, John goes slowly down the scale; but his brilliance with the violin leads to a cabaret engagement. There ,he is heard by a visiting entrepreneur and offered an engagement in London. The girl, to whom he has become attached, leaves him because she feels she might interfere with his career, and in London his success as a player and a composer is immediate. A famous prima donna—who graciously concedes that Melba could sing a little—has befriended him, and they are offered a tour of Australia and New Zealand. John refuses to go, but news that his father is dangerously ill persuades him. His own opera, "The Broken \ Melody," is to be produced in Sydney; on the opening night he is called to the hospital, and the • diva, who rows with the deputy conductor between acts, refuses to sing. But Ann is there, no longer crooner, and a perfect understudy for the star. Result, complete success, reunion,- and a hint of wedding bells. The acting and photography and general staging are excellent throughout, and a strong supporting cast includes Alec Kellaway, Frank Harvey, and Rosalind Kennerdale. The musicwas written by Alfred Hill. The supporting programme is good, and on the stage appear eight Wellington semi-finalists in the "Miss New Zealand" beauty contest.