ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19125, 9 December 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“SQUATTER’S DAUGHTER.” s' GREAT AUSTRALIAN FILM. AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. “The Squatter’s Daughter," with its typical Australian atmosphere, was a very successful stage play, and the wider scope of the screen makes it even more successful as a film. Cinesound Productions, Limited, have every reason to be proud of the production.

Famed fo his photography, Captain Frank Hurley has achieved a triumph and the long series of magniQcent Australian landscapes through which the story moves indicates that the camera has been regarded as a prime factor in The making of the film. Nearly all the aotion Is recorded out-of-doors, the interior scenes being comparatively few, a fact that more than emphasises the unremitting attention that has been given to the scenio settings. Outstanding among the Impressive rural scenes in the back country of Australia are the numerous views of great mobs of sheep in picturesque landscapes, while some bush fire scenes are remarkably well done, conveying a realistic and aweinspiring impression.

The story is woven round two neighbouring farm stations, Waratah and Enderby, where, during the absence overseas of "ironbark’’ Sherington, of Waratah, lils son and the rascally manager attempt to drive the owners of Enderby (Joan lEnderby and her lame brother, Jim) from their holding. The feud develops with interest,, the Enderbys fighting a losing Battle, until they are assisted by a mysterious stranger, Wayne Ridgeway, whom,Joan finds injured on her property. Events I hen move rapidly, and after a succession of excitihg episodes, culminate with Joan and her employees being trapped by a raging bush fire while droving a large mob of sheep. At tills point Joan’s romance with the stranger reaches a fitting climax and the villains got tlioir deserts.

Jocelyn IlowniTh, an Australian newcomer to the screen, takes the honours In the title role willi her charm and convincing work, and she should establish a reputation by her work in Ibis film. The role of Ihe, stranger is ably portrayed by Grant Lyndsay. who. as Hiehnrd Fair, lias been seen in several stage prndurllons in New Zealand. A strong supporting east includes Owen Ainley, W. I.aneBayliff, John Warwick, Les Wartou and Fred MacDonald. The singing of four songs by llirli ard Tauber, llie distinguished lem>r, is a popular feature of Ihe supporting programme.

CIVIC THEATRE. REALISTIC UNDER-SEA SCENES. Realism is carried to its extreme In the sensational underwater drama, “Below the Sea." The story has to do with a scientific expedition in tropical waters, backed by a spoiled young millionairess, portrayed by the lovely Fay Wray. Aboard her yacht is a former German submarine commander, who secretly is seeking not scientific specimens from the bottom of the ocean, but golden treasure that went down with his U-boat. This part is In the capable hands of a newcomer to the screen, Fredrik Vogedlng. Also seeking the gold is an American diver (portrayed convincingly by Ralph Bellamy). The. highpoint of the picture comes when the young millionairess and a companion, in a diving bell on the ocean floor, are attacked by a huge octopus, and are saved after a thril-packed fight between the diver and the shuddersome beast. Some very beautiful views, in colour, of the wonders of under-ocean life and growth are included in the film. A great diving bell, specially designed to withstand water pressure at 60 fathoms made possible the filming of the underwater sequences. A Mickey Mouse cartoon and other entertaining features are included in the programme. Included in the supporting programme is an Interesting Cinesound News, showing English and Australian tennis stars in action, also a very clever Mickey Mouse cartoon.

TREVOR AND DAWN. Trevor and Dawn, clever dancers, will appear at the Civic Theatre tonight. Their act is said to be very spectacular and thrilling. STRAND THEATRE. “Lord of Ihe Manor," which is to he shown for the first time in Hamilton at the Strand Theatre to-day, provides Fred Kerr with unrivalled opportunity for the flue character acting that has earned him wide popularity. The comedy is based on the effect of an Imaginary upheaval in the Government on a hot-headed Conservative landowner, Sir Henry Bovey, a part played by Fred Kerr. It is suggested by a committee that targe houses lll;e Sir Henry Bovoy’s should be used for billeting the unemployed, whereupon a number of them arrive immediately. Sir Henry, in spite of his natural repugnance, cannot t'orgel the traditions of country hospitality, and finally declares 11 1 ai. Ihey shall not be billeted on him, but remain as his guests. The position of the lord of Ihe manor is further complicated when one of Ids guests, a young girl, falls in love with a rough-and-ready farm hand, who is among those billeted al the manor. The charm of Ihe piclure lies in the fascinating reproduction of English country life. Belly Sloekfleld. Hie Australian actress, plays Ihe pari of Barbara Fierier, ulhers in the capable cast arc Frank Bertram, Kalo Cutler and Harry Wlco.vou.

ROXY THEATRE. “Prosperity,” featuring Marie Dressier and Polly Moran, will be the week-end attraction at the Roxy Theatre. In this film the two great comediennes are seen at their best, their constant bickerings and reconciliations keeping the audience chuckling. There is a charming romance between the daughter of one and the son of the other, and touches of pathos strike a deeper note.

MAORI CONCERT. A spectacular Maori concert by the Rev. A. J. 'Seamer’s touring Maori Methodist Choirs has been arranged for the Town Hall, Frankton, on Thursday, December 21. Two Maori choirs are touring New Zealand, one of which has already been through the district. The combined choirs in three scenas, ,“The Maori of Yesterday,” “TTTe Maori of To-Day," and “The Maori of Tomorrow,” have, however, never before been seen in Hamilton, and an excellent performance is anticipated. The proceeds will he devoted to the Waikato Social Welfare League and to the Maori Relief Committee.