“SWANEE RIVER"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24449, 7 November 1940, Page 11

“SWANEE RIVER"

The very heart of America is embodied in the familiar melodies of Stephen Colin Foster, inspirationally expressed in such songs as ’’ The Old Folks at Home ” (Swanee River), "Old Black Joe.” “My Old Kentucky Home.” "Oh! Susanna!” " De Camptown Races,” ” Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair ” and “ Ring, Ring de Banjo,” to mention but a few. Stephen Foster was born in Pittsbm-gh, Pa., on July 4, 1826. Thirty-eight years later, alone and all but forgotten, he died in a shabby Bowery lodging house*, to which he had drifted. Yet to-day the name of Stephen Foster, the Great American troubadour, is written imperishably in the nation's culture. Dozens of memorials dot the land from Florida to Maine to keep his name alive. Shrines have been dedicated to him, schools bear his name, and volumes have been written about him. Now the screen has added another monument to his memory. “ Swanee River,” which will be screened to-morrow .at the Octagon Theatre, is a dramatisation of Foster’s life from the time he reached manhood and knew a great love to his tragic end. Few liberties have been taken with the essential details, for the tacts of the great songwriter's life comprise the best elements of screen drama—a struggle, success and happiness, then disillusion, suffering and poverty.