THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20422, 12 February 1938, Page 15 (Supplement)

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

BECOMES GAY MARTIAL TUNE Sydney has heard a new version of the National Anthem. The band from the French cruiser Jeanne d’Arc, with Gallic impetuosity, transformed “God Save the King” into a gay martial tune, which thrilled thousands in Marlin Place. The band was with a detachment of officers, midshipmen and sailors, who paid tribute to Australia’s dead at the Cenotaph. A dense crowd watched the ceremony of placing a wreath on the Cenotaph. Then came the innovation that thrilled the crowd. The band played a few bars of “The Marseillaise” and broke into “God Save the King,” Sydney scarcely knew the old tune. It was played with a verve and vigour that set feet tapping. Then to the tune of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” the sailors, with machine-like precision, swung out of Martin Place. The Crowd Thrilled “It was a fine tribute by France to Australia’s wartime dead, and the way in which the anthem was played certainly stirred the crowd.” said Colonel Murphy, the custodian of the Cenotaph. “I believe they played it at a tempo which was approved by the late King, and which is used by the military here. 1 believe, however, that bands other than military still use the slower tempo.” Colonel Murphy agreed that it had thrilled him, and that it had been played with beautiful feeling.

Neil Hamilton is hack in Hollywood to play the leading part opposite Sally Filers in “The Lady Misbehaves.” Joseph Schildkraut is also In the cast. Darryl Zanuck is trying to borrow Robert Donat for the 'leading part m Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Kid-M-G-M are medilafing a re-make of ' Journev’s End” wilh Boherl .Montgomery as Sian hope. Meanwhile Haris Adventure” is lining prepared for Montgomery. Irene Dunn- is In star in tin- life Sl ..IN ..I "M.I >I a 111 Cur r.” which L > tin hi-u. is ,m la pi in- ir. 1111 E\e Curie's