ROBUST AUSTRALIAN COMEDY

Evening Star, Issue 21632, 30 January 1934, Page 6

ROBUST AUSTRALIAN COMEDY

1 THE HAYSEEDS ’ COMING TO EMPIRE Simplicity and robust comedy are contributing factors to the great success of ‘ The Hayseeds,’ the film made in Australia by Beaumont Smith, which comes to the Empire on Thursday night. As Dad, the patriarchal old “ cocky ” who meets all his many misfortunes with philosophic cheerfulness, Cecil Kellaway captures all the most amusing characteristics of the type without ever letting his portrayal degenerate into burlesque. Katie Towers, as Mum, is the model of a homely old farmer’s wife. Their sawny son Joe is played by Tkl Ordell, who keeps the audience in continual mirth, his proposal of marriage to Pansy being particularly hiarious. The story opens on the Hayseeds’ farm, which is suddenly disturbed by tie arrival of a party of hikers from the big city. These provide plenty of entertainment with song and dance; but one of their number, Mary Townleigb, winders away and becomes lo ( st in the bißh. She is found by a young prospertor, John Manners, and taken to tin farm, where she stays with the HayBeds until she recovers. In return the Toivnleighs invite the country family to sptnd a holiday in the city. Their adveitures in the streets of Sydney arc mest amusing, and there is also a dash of drama and romance.

The leading members of the cast act verv capably. Like most other Austrian films, the outdoor photography is tf a very high quality, and there are gone bright musical and dancing numbeis.