‘HAYSEEDS’ COMING TO-NIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 21634, 1 February 1934, Page 7

‘HAYSEEDS’ COMING TO-NIGHT

MIDNIGHT MATINEE AT EMPIRE 1 The Hayseeds ’ (written and produced by Beaumont Smith, of Wellington), which will be released at the Umpire Theatre’s midnight matinee, commencing at 11 o’clock to-night, is another milestone in the progress of advanced cinematography in Australia. Apart from its entertaining- qualities as a strongly-coloured story of Australian life, there are many artistic virtues in the wide variety of beautiful scenery which ranges from the heart of the Australian bush ■to moonlit glimpse- of Sydney harbour and its amazing bridge. Then the texture and depth of the open-air photography and the happy musical comedy touch represented . by the singing girl hikers, the incidental musical numbers for the principals (who sing most agreeably) show a commendable elasticity in, imagination. ‘ The Hayseeds ’ are an interesting family group, who have fought storm and drought with little success, but are still battling away on their bush farm. On precisely 7 the same day that the hikers, Mr and Mrs Townleigh, an ageing couple, turn up worn out by the effort to step it out with the X’est; they are genially succoured by old Hayseed and “Mum.” When it is time to go there is consternation, as young Mary Townleigh is missing. She has wandered off to gather flowers and become “ bushed.” Tired out, she comes upon the lonely camp of John Manners, who conducts her back to her people, and by doing so as an English gentleman, not only wins her gratitude, but her love. Then, when Joe Hayseed marries Pansy, -the family make it an excuse to. go a trip to Sydney and stay’ with the Townleighs. Their advent and experiences there are screamingly funny.. A touch of drama comes when Mr Townleigh becomes aware that young Manners is a nephew of Lord Mornington’s, and is wanted in connection with serious defalcations hi England. Townleigh casts him out; but old “ Dad ” sticks to the lad, and back they all go to Stony Creek. When at length Lord Mornington arrives from England, it is to convey the news to John that his brother. Eric, in dying, had confessed his guilt, and cleared his brother’s name. This means happiness for John and Mary, only capped when “ Dad ” wins £5,000 in the State, lottery. The sturdy manliness and subt.o humour of “ Dad ” Ha.yseed were delightfully depicted by Cecil Kellaway, the well-known comedian. Miss. Shirley Dale acts and sings charmingly’ as Mary, and Arthur Clarke exhibits a fine voice as John Manners. Miss Katie Towers is natural as “ Mum, and Tal Ordell and Molly Raynor supply the comic relief in broad splashes. Other pictures on the programme will be the gorgeous technicolour version of ‘The Pied Piper’ by Walt Disney (a masterpiece of cartoon humour), ‘ The Call of the Surf,’ a Sydney beach special, and the usual gazettes.