FILMING OF “DAUGHTER OF CHRISTCHURCH.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18645, 26 December 1928, Page 8

FILMING OF “DAUGHTER OF CHRISTCHURCH.”

PRODUCTION NOW ALMOST COMPLETE.

Visitors to Hagley Park on Monday were treated to a unique entertainment when Mr Rudall Hayward and his assistants, together with members of the cast of the new local film comedy, commenced operations in the park. Hist! ’Tis moonlight in Hagley Park, and dire deeds are afoot. The villain has planned to make his last fervent appeal for the heroine’s hand. He bids her foe seated while he steals furtive glances at a small text-book labelled “What Every Young Man Should Know.” Then, swallowing nervously and mustering his courage, he whisks a cambric square from his breast pocket, and, spreading it carefully, kneels upon it. “Cut!” yells the producer as the camera ceases to grind. “This is supposed to be moonlight. Just look at that notice on the tree down there. It will be in the corner of the picture.” The offending notice bore the inscription, “The public must not stay in this park after dark.” An argument ensued as to whether a self-respecting daughter of Christchurch would disobey the stern edict of the City Fathers, and be present under these circumstances. A number of onlookers considered the situation quite probable and natural, and quoted personal experiences as evidence. The villain, Mr Edwin Williams, claimed a villain’s license. “I could have lured her here,” he remarked. Mr Don Harvey objected. To be seen wandering about Hagley Park after dark would spoil his spotless reputation as a hero. It was finally decided to move to another location.

Here the villain proposed again, but the timely sounding of the city fire alarm saved the lady from his unwelcome advances. For a moment he struggled between love and duty as a volunteer fireman, but after frantic appeals from the heroine he rushed to the fire.

This and the many scenes that followed offered many opportunities for burlesque, in which the local players revelled. Miss Jane Kinsey, as the heroine, won the applause of the onlookers with some subtle bits of pantomime and facial expression, -which she carried off in a manner that would have done credit to a professional. Mr Don Harvey, as the gentleman squatter who arrived in Christchurch with “a wool-cheque, a thirst and a broad mind,” made the most of his part, and in true heroic style sent the villain (Mr Williams) sprawling towards the river with a well-timed right to the jaw. Although several scenes are yet to be “shot,” the film is now rapidly nearing completion. If it is anything like as funny as some of the incidents that have occurred while it was being made, Christchurch has a treat in store for it when the picture is screened early in January. ______________