WAR FILM

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 303, 20 November 1928, Page 7

WAR FILM

GALLIPOLI EPISODE. V.C.’S ACTION. CLAIM AGAINST PRODUCER. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian Press Association.), Received November 20, 11.5 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 19. Before the King’s Bench, Leonard Keysor, the Australian Victoria Cross winner, sued G. B. Samuelson, a film producer, for damages for injuries received during the filming of a re-enact-ment of a bombing episode at Gallipoli. It was for this episode that Mr Keysor was decorated. Plaintiff’s case was that in consideration of £75 per week he went to a studio at Isleworth, in Middlesex. Smoke bombs and gunpowder were used in the reproduction of the trench scene. Witness alleged that the bombs were carelessly thrown, and that the electrical discharge of the gunpowder was faulty, and that, as a result, his jaw was fractured and 100 incised wounds in the left forearm, and 50 wounds in the knee, were inflicted. Furthermore, he was confined to bed for five and a half weeks, and his jaw, despite operations, was permanently disfigured. Cross-examined, Mr Keysor denied that lie had not told Mr Samuelson about the sandbag portion of the episode.

“Samuelson,” added witnesSj “told me a lot of things I did to ge*t the Victoria Cross, but I didn’t do them at all.” (Laughter). A doctor ordered him to Monaco, which was very quiet. Counsel for defence: “I suppose you went across the border to Monte Carlo?”

Witness: “Oh, yes.” Mr Justice Horridge: “I do not think you need pursue that.” Mr Keysor admitted that he did not know that the cardboard jam tin bombs were empty, with a small piece of fuse attached. Counsel: “I suggest that not one of the bombs exploded.” 'Mr Keysor: “There was a certain amount of smoke. Something when I threw them back.” Defendant gave evidence. He included the sandbag after Mr Keysor had told him of it., It was not the case that the signal for firing the charge was the dropping of the sandbag. The scheme was as safe as it could be in a war film. The hearing was adjourned.