INTERESTING FILMS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 945, 15 December 1933, Page 3

INTERESTING FILMS.

Feats and Manufacture of Austin Cars.

A series of interesting films showing some of the achievements and the manufacture of Austin motor-cars was shown privately at the Theatre Royal this morning. The pictures, which are well produced, depict many of the scenic gems of Britain and the various phases of the building of a modern motor-car are attractively presented. The dialogue is also a feature.

The first of the series, entitled “ On the Roof of the World,” shows an Austin Seven conquering Galdhoppigen (8400 ft), Norway’s highest peak. Normally reindteer provide the motive power for the transport above the snow line. Special tractor belts were fitted to the wheels of the Austin, and the picture shows it making its way with ease through deep snow and up steep inclines. After the ascent the car comes down the slopes of the mountain at thirty miles an hour. The major item in the series is

“ Wheels Onward,” an attractively-pro-duced film covering a variety of subjects that should appeal to all motorists. The first part contrasts the transport of fifty years ago, when coaches travelled at a speed of eight miles an hour, with the present long-distance motor-bus services. Glimpses of the first railway trains, in which the passengers rode in open trucks and liked it—they had no option—and when the wonderful speed of twenty miles an hour was achieved, are also shown. Modern electric trains and the Flying Scotsman draw attention to the great advances made in transport during the past half century. The earliest motorcars, regarded as monsters some few years ago. are shown alongside the present vehicle, which provides the maximum of comfort at a minimum cost The film, if it does nothing else makes one grateful that travel has now been so simplified and brought within the means of the humblest citizen. The Austin Motor Company’s busy works at Longbridge, in Warwickshire, England, are dealt with in detail The workshops cover ninety-three acres and workers are employed in the making of the thousands of cars that part 6 each year for all

The building of a dependable car is followed from tl,e easting- of the engine ease m the foundry right through to the and Painting of the completed model. Main- interesting modern” wo'J-Sio? J h . e of the K2? U Si ,o r in'every foot of the sections dealing with the mo It erf metal 6 finisherl Product from the