COMIN’ THRO’ THE RYE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19124, 19 March 1924, Page 4

COMIN’ THRO’ THE RYE

A GREAT ARTISTIC TRIUMPH. MR C. HEPWORTH’S WONDERFUL PRODUCTION. THE NEWEST FILM. fpECM OUB OWN OOEEE3PONDEHT.I LONDON, January 26. As a novel, Helen Mathers’s fragrant love story, “Cornin’ Thro’ Nie Rye," has long been numbered among the classics; as a film, this story will occupy a similarly high place in the affections of picture lovers. Mr Cyril Hepworth has achieved a remarkable* artistic success, and thq world owes him a debt of gratitude. There is no doubt that this picture will rank in the highest class wherever presented. Last night’s premiere at the Scala Theatre was an important one. Many well-known people were present, including the Princess Royal. It was also a unique event, because seven of the principal actors who made the film appeared in person, first in a prelude entitled “A Picture of 1860,” and later as a Finale. In the Prelude each one appeared separately as an action picture in a room set within the limits of a large gilt frame--In the Finale they appeared hand in hand on Hie stage, making a charming group, the ladies in their beautiful crinolines of the period. In a moment they; were hidden behind huge bouquets and other floral tributes, and the stage pre-r seated an uncommon picture delightful in simplicity and grace. The principal actors in Mr Hepworth’a production are Miss Alma Taylor a-a Helen Adair, Miss Gwynne Herbert, Miss Margot Armstrong as Alice Adair, Miss Eileen Dcnnos as Sylvia. Flemming, ®Mr Sbayle Gardner as Paul Vasher, Miss Christine Rayner and Mr J. MacAndreivs. The setting all through is one of extraordinary charm and most of it was enacted in the vicinity of Walton on Thames, a corner of Surrey which will always bo full of verier memories toff numerous New Zealanders. The scenes were laid in a lovely private terraca garden, and in a field heavy with ripening golden grain. Already reproductions of the attract'vo pictures are to he seen in tha Tube lifts and on station walls, and they are also being used to illustrate the new edition of the novel. Old copies of the book are being taken from their shelves and re-read, while the nciv edition ia to be seen daily in the hands of suburban travellers, for every one intends to go to the Scala Theatre dui’ing the coming months, and not everyone of the present! generation knows the story.-

WHAT BRITAIN CAN ACHIEVE.

At the end of the evening Mr Hcpworth deplored the extent to which foreign films are used, and he emphasised the fact that British scenery was as line as any obtainable. British actors and actresses were second to none in the world, and could produce films finer than any that! could be imported from America or elsewhere. The climate was not always too good, but it was good enough to allow the presentation of charming scenes such, as had been embodied in this film. In addition Britain had an unparalleled wealth of tradition and literature from which to draw, and the actors combined quality and sincerity in their work. Tha whole world, he added, was being AmerU canised to-day—all honour to America for her skill and enterprise—but England must take its proper place in this sphere and must support its "own people in this great industry. “The remedy rests with you, the public. If you demand British productions you will get them. Every country' gels what it deserves.” The near approach of British Film Week was an important event in tho history of this British enterprise.

If all the films produced were of a high standard of perfection as attained in “Coinin’' Thro’ the Bye,” there would assuredly bo no successful competitor against the Mother Country. No detail ■is omitted to make for completion in this presentation. Tho music, especially appropriate, is arranged by Messrs T. F. Gillett and W. G. Dibble, the haunting refrain of the old favourite Scottish air running through it During the early part of the evening the song is sung by] Miss Cecila Farrar.

Miss Alma Taylor is the most captivating heroine all through this epic of love, sorrow, cunning, and tragedy. Mr Shayle Gardner does his part with the stately reserve that tradition indicates as being the custom iu those days of tho Victorian era. Indeed, the atmosphere all through is reminiscent of those times of graceful movement and courtly monners. Mr Hcpworth’s production is indeed a triumph, and, in quote the appreciation of Mr Cecil Palmer, the eminent critic, it is. probably “destined to become historic.” The fields of growing grain waving in the breeze are so real that one can almost hear the rustle, while no hedgerows of fox-gloves growing wild could look more natural than those seen in the film, which, from start to finish, is characterised by an intense realism. This old story of love and romance will now bo as popular with the present generation as it was with the past. Tire book has reached its 152nd edition.