‘THE BUSH CINDERELLA’

Evening Star, Issue 19918, 14 July 1928, Page 17

‘THE BUSH CINDERELLA ’

MR R. HAYWARD’S HEW FILM ‘The Bush Cinderella,’ Mr Undid 1 Hayward’s seventh film, is nearly completed. It is his first film to deal with modern life in our own country (says tho Auckland ‘Herald’). For each of his previous films ho has chosen sonic -phase of New Zealand’s history. His early ambition to record passages from tho past that fired his imagination has in part been realised. Ho now places a dramatic story of to-day upon tho screen against a background of bush scenery and the life of the largest city in tho dominion. The leading part is played by Miss Dale Austen. Fresh from her contract in Hollywood, she has added a knowledge of screen technique to her natural gift for acting. She is the Cinderella of tho film, a bush girl who wins fortune and happiness despite adversity.

Cecil’.Scott, an Australian actor, is tho leading man. He has had a varied experience of stage work. He played in musical comedy under tho J, C. Williamson management, and in drama with Miss Muriel Starr. Ho was also associated with Gaston Mervalc and Miss Beatrice Day in tho production of French Grand Guignol plays. He has acted for the cinema with Raymond Londford, Australia’s premier producer. lie has a line profile and a good screen presence. This young Australian fills the role of a lieutenant of tho Pacific squadron, a dashiim part in contrast to Miss Austen’s simplicity. These two principals arc supported by a representative cast. Tho woman on the land, .portrayed by Miss May Bam, should bo a finelydrawn characterisation. Tho part lias been invested with a wealth of detail. The comedy is in tho safe hands of Mr A 1 Mack. His comedy is of the quiet type, which should bo adaptable for cinema work. Mr Thomas M‘Dermott, as the farmer, gives solidarity to the piece in an interpretation of the class which is “the backbone of New Zealand.” Mr Frank Willoughby is also given scope for a good characterisation, and Mr Ernest Yandlc, as the villain, has. one or two minor villains at his call. Between them they bring dramatic incident and adventure into tho life of a quiet hush family. Tho little sister is played by Miss Winifred Croshcr, who is well known as a clever young amateur. A few scenes remain to be “ shot,” although tho final scenes were photographed last week. They were most realistically prepared with co-opera-tion of tho Naval Department and the assistance of tho Union Steam Ship Company. _ On tho deck of the Waipari a realistic fight was .staged in the Waitcmata Harbour, the combatants being members of the crew of the Tekoa and a party of naval ratings from H.M.S. Philomel. The wedding scene was filmed in true naval fashion. Lieutenant JO. E. Addis, of tho Philomel, himself a keen and capable amateur actor, took charge of the strictly naval part of tho proceedings. A naval detachment attached two ropes to the official mol or of tho Philomel, and a score of bluejackets, all laughter and goodwill, set tho young bride and groom upon’ the road of life.