"THE BUSH CINDERELLA."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 9 (Supplement)

"THE BUSH CINDERELLA."

A SATISFACTORY PRODUCTION.

Satisfactory results have attended Mr. Jiudall Hayward's efforts in producing Jiis first film dealing with present-day Jife in New Zealand, " The Bush Cinderella," which was given a private screening on Thursday, follows a series of most creditable historical films of the pioneering days. It shows the film industry in the Dominion, which is practically centred in the efforts of one man, gradually emerging from its days of infancy and becoming quite a lusty child. Jlr. Hayward, of course, would not pretend that his film is up to the standard of an American special—he docs uot call it a New Zealand "special"—but it is far and away his finest production to (date.

" The Bush Cinderella" is a romantic 'drama, with moro than a touch of melodrama effectively added. The story was juritten by Mr. Henry Hayward, doyen of New Zealand showmen, who, from long j-ears of experience, is in a position to know what the public demands in n film story. He has furnished a gripping tale with excellent possibilities for characterisation, and Mr. Rudali Hayftvard has embellished it with an intelligent direction and somo really excellent cameraeraft. He has even experimented jn the field of novel camera angles, with jnosfc satisfying results. And in the acting, too, there is a marked advance Over Jthafc in his previous productions. For this most credit must go to Miss Dale Austen, whose work clearly shows the benefit of her Hollywood experience. She has a most difficult role, one that would fully tax the capabilities of most established film stars. In the prologue to the film, set in the early days of the present'century, she is a young mother, driven from her home by a harsh guardian. In the story proper she is the '' Bush Cinderella," who, in a little farmhouse, entered the world at the cost of that mother's life. Miss Austin has 'drawn a very fine contrast between the pathetic mother of the prologue and tho happy country girl who wins the love jot' a young naval lieutenant. Miss Austen makes a good subject the camera, wears simple frocks with a charming air, and is free and spontaneous in her acting. For such a difficult role she has given a very fine interpretation.

Opposite her is Mr. Cecil Scott, who was recently in revue in Auckland. He lias captured the romantic air necessary for such a part and shows a commendable grasp of screen technique. A tall, athletic figure and clean-cut features set off to advantage Miss Austen's charm, and he is always delightfully natural. Other parts, too, are well cast. Mr. Bavward has secured some very fine types, especially for the country people, ■while Mr. Tano Fama gives a polished performance as one of the several villains pf the piece. As for the photography, there are a number of scenes which would not discredit any American film. The woodland scene in which the Cinderella of the story meets the young lieutenant fishing r rocky stream is remarkable for a fine blending of light and shade, while another, the finest of the film, is a farm scene. Furrows follow behind the plough, horses strain, trees are hazy in the background. There is admirable composition in this scene. Imagery, too, is not missing in the photography. Altogether, " Tbo Bush Cinderella," for a local film, is in a high class, and cn its release, in the near future should pieet with a most successful season.