Current History on the Screen

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 8

Current History on the Screen

REMARKABLE NEW SERIES OF “SHORTS" The enterprise of the film industry apparently is boundless, for one never knows just in which direction a new effort will be made. While primarily the cinema expends most of its resources to provide entertainment to suit all tastes it lias shown repeatedly that when the occasion offers equal resources are available for education. The travel “short" accompanied in these days by .. a synchronised explanatory comment has become an accepted part of the evening’s fare, but now a new twist has been given, and tho material gathered by news photographers embodied in a series of delightfully interesting films which portray the political and economic life of a country in lucid and thoughtful manner. At the Regent Theatre last evening by the courtesy of the manager, Mr. Harold Jardine, a number of citizens were granted the privilege of a preview of the first of the new series which has been called “The March of Time." In dealing principally with' Russia and France—co-siguatories of the much discussed Pact—the method suggested pictorial journalism, for the situation in each country was covered in quite a remarkable way. Progress was tne keynote of Russia and with pictures it was easy to show how Moscow and its doctrine is reaching into the furthermost corners of that vast country bringing education, health and propaganda with a generous hand. Tho change to France dealt with the Paris riots and the mood underlying the outbreak of feeling against the central Government. Attention was directed very tellingly to the Croix do Feu, the organisation composed of war veterans, which pledged to cleaner government, fought both Communists and politicians. The Paris riots presented a new and almost terrifying aspect revealing the instability of tho country which is nearly always tliq focal point of Europe.

Alembers of the Y.W.C.A. Round Table Club w-ere among those present. Spontaneous applause at the conclusion of a vivid quarter of an hour showed clearly the reaction of those present, aud it is safe to predict an immediate popularity among theatregoers foi “The Alarch of Time" series.