AT THE STAR.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 38, 3 April 1933, Page 2

AT THE STAR.

maim PAT HANNA IN "DJGGERS." FROM POSTER ARTIST TO STAR. To think of the funny side of the digger during the war is to think of Pat ITanna. Serving with Ihe troops in Egypt and France, it was during the most serious lime of the big conflict that ids flair for entertaining others came io delight the world. A New Zealandcr by birth he chose the type of the carefree Australian soldier with which to brighten the dark days in France during 1014-1918. So successful were these spontaneous entertainments that the military authorities recognised his talents and Pat was appointed Divisional Entertainment Officer to the Army of Occupation in Germany at the immediate conclusion of the Great War. ■ It was during this period that he organised a concert party who specialised in playing soldier sketches for the amusement of the troops. New Zealand, Hanna's homeland, was next to sec and laugh over these sketches of the lighter side of the war. ITis country served, and after touring extensively throughout the Dominion in the cause of charity. Pat Hanna's thoughts turned to the future. Prior to his enlistment for active service he ha_d been a black and white poster artist. The world turmoil had changed the life of this man and he abandoned the easel and brush for the glare of the footlights. His organisation of the professional "Digger Company," which played in every worth-while town in Australasia is now- theatrical history. In the Efftree Films' production. "Diggers." which will be screened at the Star Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, he plays the part of Chic. Williams, and immortalises for alt time in celluloid the happy, carefree outlook of the Australian soldier through the greatest tragedy the world has ever known.