LIBERTY THEATRE HAS AN AMAZING PICTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19269, 5 January 1931, Page 4

LIBERTY THEATRE HAS AN AMAZING PICTURE.

The film “Simba,” now showing - at the Liberty Theatre, is one in a hundred. Nature study is always a fascinating subject, but when one can see the birds and animals filmed in their natural surroundings it becomes doubly so. There is no plot, no display of sentiment. 1c is a production that even the most irregular picturegoers will make a point of seeing, and they will not be disappointed. It was filmed in Africa, on tlieAbyssinian border, far among the mountains near Lake Paradise, thousands of miles from civilisation. and the jungle and veldt beasts have been caught by the cameramen in their own forests and deserts. First there is a delightful study of the elephant at home, roaming the African forest in a huge herd, and fleeing before a forest fire. He is seen in every mood, placidly minding his young and stamping round in anger when he finds his path blocked by a battery of cameras. This is only one of the features of this interesting film. In the main it deals with “Simba” —the lion. In babyhood, about his domestic business and on the hunt, each aspect is faithfully dealt with. He is shown stalking the camera, and in turn being stalked by the African tribesmen and despatched. The native life itself makes an unusual study, especially when it is considered that these particular tribesmen are filmed for the first time. The rhinoceros in all his horned glory and two-ton of flesh occupied the attention of the cameramen for some time, and it must have been dangerous work, for he charges too close for safety to the camera. The antelopes, timid creatures, zebras of a like disposition, and the curious giraffes, are revealed in a new light to a pleased audience. There arc many other animals of lesser notoriety in the film, many of thorn appearing on the screen for the first time. As a prelude there is a comedy. “ Troopers Three,” and several “shorts.” which give the necessary variety to a most unusual and picturesque production.