“Uncivilised” Presents Fine Characterisation

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

“Uncivilised” Presents Fine Characterisation

SENSE OF REALISM PRESERVED BY STRONG CAST (Mayfair: Screening Saturday). E. Gilburt Howell, who gives a splendid characterisation of tlie rascally witch doctor, “Vitchi/’ln "Uncivilised,” might almost be said to come of pioneer stock, inasmuch as his father in the early “sixties" was superintendent of the smelting works at Redruth, county Burra, South Australia, the mine being then the copper mine of the world. Mr Howell, who was born there, was taken by his parents to England, where ho early displayed his talents for dramatic art, studying Shakespeare’s plays on a model stage. In the course of an eventful career as a court reporter in London, Mr Howell learned his London thoroughly. However, the lure of the stage was too great, so ho gave up his literary career and joined up with the "lit up” company which visited the smaller towns of England. His first experience of touring resulted in his buying the portable theatre and bringing the company back to Londou. He later appeared with tho Oscar Asche-Brayton and other London companies, and subsequently iu ‘‘The Blue Bird” company, returning to Australia in 1912 as understudy of the principal character part of "The Dog.” Since then Mr Howell has appeared in aud produced many other plays, but as ho saw the ever-widening appeal of tho screen, turned his attention to this medium. And to wonderful effect, for his performance in "Uncivilised” is a gem of character acting. He has appeared in several other Australian films, chief among them being "The Silence of Dean Maitland,” "When the Kellys Rode,” “Splendid Fellows,” "Heritage,” and "In the Wake of the Bounty.” But it is in his latest role in Charles Chauvel’s "Uncivilised” that his greatest opportunity was obtained. Ambition of Graham Moffatt, fat boy star of Gainsborough musical "O-kay for Sound,” is to play part of Charles Laughton as a boy.