THE SOUTHERN CROSS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21396, 20 October 1934, Page 18

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

FILM OF FAMOUS FLIGHTS Feats which made aviation history are recorded in word and picture in "The Old Bus," a film biography of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, which opened its Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre last night. Added interest is lent to the picture by,tho fact that the famous airman is about to attempt another momentous flight across the Pacific, and also by the fact that in the film he personally describes tho route which will be followed by competitors in tho Melbourne Centenary air race, which starts to-day. Sir Charles is an Australian whom New Zealanders have come to regard almost as one of themselves, and in his film lie lias not overlooked bis association with aviation in the Dominion. He is seen at Christchurch after his first memorable flight across the lasman, and again later at New Plymouth and circling Mount Egmont's snowcapped peak in tho Southern Cross. With the veteran monoplane pictured against backgrounds of large cities, tropical islands and ocean wastes, one realises even more clearly the magnitude of Kingsford Smith's achievements and understands his affection for the machine with \jhich he has won the greatest triumphs of any aviator. The film opens by tracing the development of flying in Australia from the days when aeroplanes looked like kites. Sequences follow which show tho Southern Cross on most of her famous flights and, as a finale, Sir Charles himself describes the air route from England to Australia, providing a most entertaining commentary to scenes of the cities where landings are made. Tho film, as a whole, has abounding topical interest, and is an impressive tribute not only to the great Australian flier, but also, in a wider sense, to man's hard-won mastery of the air. Included in tho programme is "Let's Be Ritzy," a full-length comedy-drama, in which Lew Ayres and a well-chosen supporting cast delve light-heartedly into matrimonial problems. There is also an excellent film showing Melbourne and its environs, which is of special interest in view of the Centenary celebrations.