Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 3 January 1940, page 11


COMPANIES' PLANS.

FILMS OF AUSTRALIAN LIFE

AND HISTORY.

Two films will be produced by Argosy Films, Ltd., and one each by Famous Feature Films, Ltd., in conjunction with Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., and Cinesound Features, Ltd.

Production will begin at the Cinesound studios on Monday, and it is understood that 250 people will be employed. Famous Feature Films, Ltd.. ls stated to have about 2,500 feet of its film already made, and will expedite the filming of the rest of the scenes.

Argosy Films, Ltd., expect to have the cast-ing for their films completed by the end of this month, after which production of the first of its two pictures will begin.

All the productions will be purely Australian in character, and will deal with some aspect of life in the Commonwealth or with Aus-tralian history.

EPIC OF LIGHT HORSE.

The picture to be produced by Famous Fea-ture Films, Ltd., will be "Forty Thousand Horsemen." The story has as a background the exploits of the Australian Light Horse in Palestine, some of the finest scenes for which have been taken by the photographer, Mr. Charles Chauvel, at Orange, Cronulla, and Broadmeadows, Victoria. Mr. Chauvel was able to get some first-class material with tho aid of cavalry units made available by the Defence Department.

Cinesound Features Pty., Ltd., has not yet announced the title or the details of its pro-duction, but it is understood that a scenario has been selected and the casting completed, and that the first scenes will be taken next week.

Details of the films to be produced by Argosy Films, Ltd., will not be disclosed until final arrangements for production have been made. Mr. Frederick Daniels, a director, said last night, however, that the company had com-prehensive plans for producing pictures typical of Australian life. Selection of the cast would begin Immediately.

HELP FOR INDUSTRY.

"My company is very pleased to see that an opportunity is being given to enable the Aus-tralian film industry more fully to establish Itself." Mr. Daniels added. "The decision of the Government to assist the industry will mean more employment for Australians and more incentive to aspiring film players. Not only that, but the development of a virile film industry will mean that Australia will receive greater advertisement abroad."