FILM ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19808, 9 December 1938, Page 3

FILM ABOUT AUSTRALIA

HOLLYWOOD PROJECT SAG A OF COLONISATION NEW YORK, Nov. 30. United Artists Corporation has announced that it is putting into production in December a film entitled “Captain Midnight,” which is described as “a rugged romantic saga of Australian colonisation.” The film, it is stated, will show the metamorphosis of New South Wales from a penal colony into a land of determined English pioneers. “The Minister for Commerce, Sir Earle Page,” the announcement adds, “has promised to supply the atmosphere.” Hal. Roach, the producer of "Our Gang” comedies, will be director of the new film, and the principal players will be (Brian Ahern, Victor MacLaglen and the new French actress, Francine Bordeaux. Interviewed by the Australian Associated Press in his Hollywood studio, F-lal. Roach said that when Sir Earle Page recently visited the studio he agreed to send koala bears for the picture, provided the studio defrayed the keeper’s expenses. Sir Earle Page also promised to send 10 eucalyptus trees to feed the bears. The studio, he said, would shortly ask Sir Earle Page lo ship the bears. lie added that me discussions with Sir Earle Page nad removed the fear of Australian prejudice against the film. Rolf Boldrewood’s "Robbery Under Arms” has been abandoned because of (he possibility of antagonising Australians. He emphasised that Ihe film will not show m a Dari light, and that Captain Midnight is purely a fictitious figure, not connected with the Australian bushranger. Captain Moonlight.