TRIUMPHANT AUSTRALIAN FILM

Evening Star, Issue 21036, 25 February 1932, Page 13

TRIUMPHANT AUSTRALIAN FILM

OCTAGON TO SHOW ‘DIGGERS' The Octagon Theatre to-morrow, it is claimed, will be the first theatre in New Zealand to screen an all-Austra-lian talking picture programme. It will probably bo thought that, because the programme is the first full-length bill to be produced for the audible screen by Australian enterprise, the quality will not come up to the excellent standard set by England and America, but it is stated that this is by no means the case. Several criticisms from leading Australian papers definitely state that not only in acting, comedy, and production, but also in the actual recording and sound this wonderful Australian programme even excelled the American product. The leading feature, appropriately enough, bears the title of ‘ Diggers,’ and stars Pat Hanna, George Moon, Ed Warrington, Cecil Scott, Nell Fleming, etc. It is a six-reel comedy production, personally directed by F. W. Thring, who must be feeling a very happy man to-day, seeing that he is responsible, or mainly _ so, for the Australian product being placed upon the map of the screen world. Undaunted by difficulties which would have depressed any but the strongest personality, he struggled gamely until it was possible to place before the public talkie entertainment made in Australia by Australians, which rivalled any output produced by America and London. ‘Diggers,’ as the name implies, is the story of an Australian soldier, a lovable chap, who has justly earned the plaudits of the world, not only for his bravery on the field, but for his remarkable sense of humour. But the action of this picture centres mainly about the lighter side of things. In our most tragic moments there is always a fine streak of wholesome comedy. This has been ably extended by the director of this production, and the result is a work of wonderful comedyj with occasional pathos. In addition,* the supports include Jack O’Hagan, the celebrated Australian composer of ‘ On the Road to Gundagai,’ etc., in some songs at the piano in a short featurettc, and to round off a wonderful bill there is a splendid sound scenic of the beautiful city of Melbourne. As an added attraction, ‘ Honour Among Lovers ’ will bo screened, starring Colbert and Frederic March, who will be remembered for their delightful acting together in ‘ Manslaughter.’