NAVAL ACADEMY FILM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 4

NAVAL ACADEMY FILM

ATTRACTION AT EMPIRE Acclaimed by naval officers as one of the most authentic stories ever written about the historic United States Naval Academy, “ Navy Blue and Gold ” was commenced yesterday at the Empire Theatre. The novel, steeped in colourful traditions of the institution, was written by George Bruce, who also adapted it to the screen. The picture is headed by a strong cast, including Robert Young, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Florence Rice, Billie Burke, Tom Brown, Samuel S. Hinds, Paul Kelly, and Barnett Parker. It portrays the poignant devotion of cadets pledged to their country’s service, the heartaches of stern, character-building discipline, the thrilling sportsmanship of the navy’s titantic football games, and the love of two players for the sister of their friend. Many scenes for “ Navy Blue and Gold ” were filmed pn the grounds of the Annapolis School. Sam Wood directed with technical advice from Commander Harvey S. Haislip, U.S.N., retired, and Gil Kuhn. Stewart appears as a midshipman who came up from a battleship and makes good at Annapolis. But first, he faces disgrace owing to an error in the record of his father, who was a naval hero. Wien that is cleared, he rejoins the football squad and with Young and Brown, forms a triple threat which defeats Army In a hard-fought game.