"The Flying Doctor” an Australian Achievement

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 279, 25 November 1936, Page 11

"The Flying Doctor” an Australian Achievement

CHARLES FARRELL STARS IN OUTDOOR ROMANCE (State: Screening Saturday.) something novel in entertainment is “The Flying Doctor,” with Charles Farrell, Mary Maguire, James Raglan, Margaret Vyner, Joe Valli, and, Eric Colman heading the cast. Directed by Miles Mauder, from an adaptation by J. O. O. . urton of the novel by Robert Waldron, the film has been produced at jtr'agewood, Sydney, by National Productions Ltd., in association with Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, of London. Though it reaches the heights of high endeavour, and flasnes a faithful mirror of our own life and times, tlio film is simplo with humanity, and because of this, it is great. The acting is splendid, the swift tempo of action and reaction being maintained throughout. Through it all is woven tho lives of ordinary men and women; Charles Farrell playing the wandered, Sandy, who loved distant, blue horizons more than the protections of a woman’s love; Mary Maguire showing the simplicity of a woman’s faith in tho man she will always love; James Raglan heading his 'plane of succour towards the distant deserts that challenge his courage; Margaret Vyner showing the tangle men can make with their lives . . .

The story of Sander’s love is interwoven with the drama of the Aerial Medical Service. The Flying Doctor (James Raglan) who has Cloucurry as his base, is Sandy’s friend, and their lives are inevitably linked by an intriguing twist. of fate. How Sandy sustains a tragic loss but becomes victorious even in defeat; how Dodger Green makes a fortune; how Jenny Rutherford finds happiness at last; and how the Flying Doctor makes history, build a story both human and noble. “Tho Flying Doctor” is the finest medium Australia has yet handled.

The comedy theme is a remarkable feature of tho film. Joe Valli as “Dodger” surely surpasses himself; his quick wit and agility should earn critics' praise the world over. He is ably supported by Katie Towers, another popular “old-stager” who is at her best as Mrs O’Toole. Tom Lurich, international wrestler, makes a surprising film debut. Apart from his rough-stuff, which is excellent, he acts as to tho manner born. The wrestling sequences, partly filmed at Leichhardt Stadium, aro excellently done, as is the fight in an outback hotel, in which some <3O husky miners take part. Tho cricket match scene shows Don Bradman in action.