"FORTY THOUSAND HORSEMEN."

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 31, 6 February 1941, Page 12

"FORTY THOUSAND HORSEMEN."

Charles Chauvel, producer of Famous Feature^ Films, chose for his leads for "Forty ■Thousand Horsemen" Grant Taylor, from Melbourne, a typical Australian, and Betty Bryant, of Bondi. He discovered both Mary Maguire and Errol Flynn (who made his screen debut on Chauvel's "In the Wake of the Bounty"). "I consider Grant Taylor by far the best screen lead we've had out here/ stated Mr. Chauvel. "I spent eight weeks in a search for the man who could play Light Horseman 'Red': Gallagher. He had to be the rugged, vigorous, outdoor ■ type, who could carry the strength of a fighting picture. I saw Grant Taylor appear iv the Cinesound Picture, 'Pad Rudd, M.P.' A 6ft lin redhead. Grant Taylor was a professional boxer in Melbourne. He studied screen work at Cinesound. Betty Bryant is known for her Sydney work and radio appearances. This young actress has also played 'bit' roles in films. I have known her dramatic work for several y.fears, and always hoped that the time would come when she would be suitable for a film lead," said Chauvel. "Hers is the only woman's jole in the picture. In her film closeups she is very like Merle Oberon." "Forty Thousand Horsemen" deals with the drama of the Light Horse campaign in Palestine. Its climax is the charge of Beersheba. The story ior the film was written by Mr. i Chauvel in collaboration with E. V. Timms. - The enemy is not painted as "The Terrible Turk," but rather as a "brave and hard-fighting soldier.