THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 233, 14 September 1922, Page 6

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

MUNICIPAL. “THE BIRTH OF NEW ZEALAND.” Yes; it’s really here; a picture made in New Zealand ,acted by New Zealanders, and depicting scenes in the early history of the Dominion. It’s up to everyone to see it for that reason alone. Running through the story is a real, human drama, but the chief merit of this film lies in its bringing home to all beholders things which actually happened. The prologue shows the discovery of New Zealand by Captain Cook, and his first landing and taking po: session; the visit of friendly Maoris and the coining of the first pigs to this country, is followed by the scenes showing Cook's death in the Islands. The igning of the Treaty of Waitangi is the next incident to claim our attention. The gathering of the Maori tribes is splendidly shown—the chiefs in full tribal dress contrasting with the old-fashioned uniforms of the Pakeha officers. The hosting of the Union Jack with appropriate ceremony, and its subsequent destruction by Hone Hoke’s warriors bring the first part to a fitting conclusion. We are next shown the arrival in Auckland of the first immigrants (1842) with many scenes of the home life of those far-off days. The revels of the Barn Dance are ruddy interruped by the nows of Hone Hoke’s attack, anil one thinks of Byron’s poem “Waterloo” as the “mustering squadrons” gather a day or so later in Queen street, Auckland, and go forth to punish the rebel leader and his followers. Gabriel’s Gully Gold Rush is shown in ■picturesque detail, and those of us who like “Wild West” pictures will get their fill of excitement in Ihe attack on Cobb’s Coach by bandits, and the incidents which follow’. The acting <in this part of the picture is as good as anything screened in Hastings, and the whole picture reflects the greatest credit on the producers. Other incidents to remember are the attempt of the French to take possession of the South Island, and how they were just beaten in the race through the indiscretion of a French officer succumbing to the charms of a pretty girl. Altogether the picture is one to see and remember and it is to be hoped that ci copy will be presetved for future generations of New r Zealanders to witness. COSY DE LUXE. Tense dramaXc moments are frequent throughout the screening of “Truth About Husbands,” the First National all-star attraction at the Cosy. There are titles that ripple in sunny, sparkling cascades of clever dialogue while the action sweeps forward with freshness and charm, stirring the spectator with the living warmth of the people of the story who enact the struggle of the upper and nether sides of society in this drama of fire. It show’s the loyalties and loves which redeem life, and is goner ous and fine in its sympathies. A Larry Somon comedy, Bathe’s latest gazettes aud the orchestra support.