A MASTERTON FILM.

Wairarapa Age, 14 March 1929, Page 5

A MASTERTON FILM.

TO BE MADE HERE BY FAMOUS DOMINION PRODUCER. cast of Local players. Arrangements have been completed! by Mr. Kemball, of the <r Cosy Theatre,' with the well-known pioneer New Zea-* land film producer, Rudall Hayward,' who was responsible for the production 1 ; of “The Te Kooti Trail,” “Rewi'si LaskStand,” “My Lady of the Cave,” 1 . “The Bush Cinderella” (starring Dale, Austen, “Miss New Zealand”), andl more than half the story films yet made’ in the Dominion, for the production of • a complete comedy-drama film entitled ; “A Daughter of Masterton,” whichl

will be enacted here against a background of chosen local beauty spots, by a cast of entirely local players, assisted by the Fire Brigade and well-known citizens. It will be entirely a local film and suggestions for suitable backgrounds will be welcomed by the producer. When the film is finished it will be developed and printed at Mr. Hayward’s Auckland laboratory, and returned within ten days for screening at Masterton for a three-day season and then sent * * on circuit ’ ’ for screening in other parts of the Dominion. The idea of making these community films originally came from America, where quite a number of players now in Hollywood were “discovered” through appearing in them. Various clubs and societies in America and Australia are now at

work on their own amateur productions. The idea was introduced into New Zealand by Mr. Rudall Hayward last May, when under his direction the people of Hamilton produced “Hamilton Hus-

bands” with tremendous success, the film running whole week in that town and a week in Auckland. Since then Mr. Hayward has produced fifteen of these community comedies in various parts of the Dominion, including Dunedin and Christchurch. Everywhere great enthusiasm has been displayed and some of the amateur players have put up astonishingly good performances under skilled direction. Members of Parliament, the mayors of the various towns, and well-known society hostesses have appeared in the films, and lent valuable assistance. Over a hundred society girls of note have appeared in the films made at Dunedin, Christchurch, Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay in the reception scenes, for which some of the most magnificent residences in the Dominion have been used as backgrounds. Hunt clubs, polo clubs, riding clubs and amateur theatrical socities in various parts of the Dominion have co-operated with Mr. Hayward in the special scenes anji it is anticipated that a number of good local riders will be willing to take part in this district. The proposal offers great opportunities] for ambitious amateur theatrical folk,’ who should get in touch with Mr. Hayward at the Cosy Theatre.