FILM STUDIOS PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 54, 1 September 1945, Page 12

FILM STUDIOS PARTY

REVIEW'S FOURTH BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATED

I Guests at the studio party held at the Government film studios at Miramar last night were entertained in a variety of novel ways. / The festivities, which marked the fourth anniversary of the Weekly Review, the national film feature, commenced early in the evening with the screening of a full-length technicolour film in the studio theatre, followed by a buffet supper in the recording studio, where, later, musical items, a demonstration of magic, and dancing were enjoyed by staff members and their friends. Official guests included Mr.^J. T. Paul, Director of Publicity, ana Mrs. Paul: heads of the Tourist and Publicity Department, Mr. Harold Righton and Mr. Bob Stewart, representatives of the film industry on the Government film distribution committee, and Mr. D. Leys, of the Fox Film Corporation. , ■ ■ With its . colourful decor of palm trees, riotous flower beds, chains of rainbow lights circling the flag-hung walls, and the' festive supper table with bowls of camellias and poppies, the studio was a scene of unusual gaiety and colour. The large, square, birthday cake was cut with due ceremony by. Mrs. Paul, wife of the Director of Publicity, after the candles had been extinguished by Mrs. E. S. Andrews, wife of the production manager. "HIGHLY THOUGHT OF." "I can assure you that the work of the;' studio in all its branches is thought highly of in high places," said the Director of Publicity, in the course of a congratulatory speech. The National film unit, he said, had accomplished something that had not been equalled in any other country, of New Zealand's size. When it was remembered that the Weekly Review had been produced without a break for four years, sometimes under almost insuperable difficulties, one marvelled at its excellence. In another of its services the Miramar unit had also been responsible in the war years for supplying photographs of loved ones overseas to mothers, sweethearts, and wives. Its great success in all its branches he attributed to good team work. Mr. R. W. Fenton, studio manager, said that last year's party happily had synchronised with the liberation1 of Paris and this year's was being held on an even better date, the occupation of Tokio. In welcoming those present he thanked' official guests for the co-operation and . assistance they had given the studios during the past year. To Mr. Paul particularly he extended thanks for the part he ,had played in directing "activities during the war years. Thanks were also expressed to Mr. Houston, deputy publicity manager of the Tourist and Publicity* Department, in the absence of Mr. L. J. Schmidt. { During the past four years the film ' unit had recorded the war overseas and on the home front and the popularity of the newsreel today was evidence of what had gone into the job. APPRECIATION EXPRESSED. Deep appreciation" \of the help given by art and film departments, exhibitors, and exchanges was expressed by Mr. E. S. Andrews, production manager. Everyone had assisted generously in establishing the unit. He also thanked Mr. Paul, who, he said,. had been a tower of strength in the support which he had given the unit since its inception. ■' ■ . > During the past ten years the studios had done a great job, said Mr Houston, "but in the excellent work being done today," he said, "don't let us forget the old team who kept the show together through very difficult years." He congratulated Mr. Andrews and his staff on the fine type of film they were producing. • The programme was brightly compered by Mr. G. F. Bridgman, art director. Mr. Cyril Morton organised the party, and Mr. G. Scott arranged the musical programme. The decorations were the work of Mr. Bridgman and the art department.