ACTING FOR THE MOVIES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 March 1925, Page 5

ACTING FOR THE MOVIES.

MASTERTON’S BUDDING- STARS. VT-OUT AT OPERA HOUSE. The large audience- thoroughly en--joyed the entertainment at the Master-(io-n Opera House last night, when the nesting out under modern studio condi-.-lious of the talents and histrionic ability 0 f local aspirants for ‘‘film land” .look place. Mr Beaumont Smith, the eminent Australian producer, was represented AjJKlessr3 L. H. Nunn (director) and Taylor (camera man), who gave . the candidates every assistance to realise their dreams. Mr Nunn said the company was in search of New Zealand talent with -the ultimate object of establishing the Industry in New Zealand, and reinforcing the work already done in Australia. Suitable candidates would be (offered lucrative positions with every .prospect of advancement. About LI timid artists were then ushered into 'the “studio,” and the Tun began. Though very self-conscious -some of them did really .well. The scenes were inclined to the melodramatic. 4ii one instance tragedy gave the can- • didate full scope, and, spurred on bv 'the enthusiastic director, he made an iefetant success. Naturally the entertainment held an abundance of anius--jng situations. While the audience rocked with laughter it was appreciative of any sign of talent, and assisted the actors with hearty applause. In the first scene an enraptured youth grasped the opportunity of the '.absence of the guests at a party to Vi to “Betty,” a timid blonde, regarded her impromptu lover ra•,ther in the. attitude of a cave man. -“Fall on your knees,” “Kiss her Jinnds,” “Get up and squeeze her!” shouted the director between peals of daughter, to which the youth responded manfully, but with restraint. Other couples were tried at this scene, and

the director’s eye glistened keen ap-

preciation as the proficiency of some unfolded. The scene was changed. In an atmosphere of tragedy and business-wor-ried husband returns home to learn that his wife has departed with the “snake in the grass.” He seeks through the solacce of the stryconine bottle the land -where unfaithful wives hold no worry i'Off thoughtless husbands. An overdose vis administered. The husband, writhing in agony, careers round the stage, and at the command of the director .tears ids hair, bursts his collar open, .-and finally drops dead with his feet inway from the camera. The remorseful wife returns. Seeing the body of her husband stretched on the floor, she vainly endeavours to induce him to .speak. “Kiss him back to life. -“Look up to heaven and scream a little! ” ‘LNow faint over his body and j(ji®KJ,seti” commands the director, wdfflfc the' orchestra plays something "“touching.” Other scenes were equally as amusing and entertaining, the audience fair•J.y rocking with laughter. At the conclusion of the tests, Mr UNunn announced that further trials would be held to-night, when fresh aspirants would be “put through their •{paces.” It was hard to judge on first appearances, but. considering that all vtbe performers were well known (which mdded to their ordeal), lie was well /pleased.