Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 7 September 1946, page 13


NEW FILMS

"Smithy" Splendid Australian Effort

WESTS.—Columbia's first Aus-tralian production, "Smithy" marks a definite step forward in film-making in this country, and is cer-

tainly a fine effort, well in advance of anything yet offered. The story of Sir Charles Kings-ford Smith's daring exploits and his striving towards ifie opening up of international air lines cannot fail to appeal to the public, and the film, while not achieving any great dramatic or spectacular heights, succeeds because of its simple, straightforward treatment. The high-lights of Kingsford Smith's career, such as title Pacific flight, his remarkable adventure over the Tasman Sea, and the fare-well to the old Southern Cross, have been well handled, and the ten-dency to make the film a series of episodes has been avoided as much as possible. Among the many difficulties facing the producers was the choice of a man to play the part of '"Smithy," whose per-sonality is still vividly remembered by those who knew him, but Ron Randall has fulfilled the qualities demanded of him extremely well. He makes the character life-like and assured. Muriel Steinbeck gives a charming por-trayal of the part of Lady Kingsford Smith, and Joy Nickolls is excellent as Kay Sutton. John Tate has the import-ant part of Charles Ulm, and other ade-quate players include Alec Kellaway, John Dease and Marshall Crosby. While the dialogue is not always all that could be desired, the acting is excellent. To Ken G. Hall, the director, and N. P. Pery, producer, must be given great credit for the success of the film. Henry Krips who wrote the musical score and conducted the Sydney Symphony orches-tra also contributed materially to its success. Considerable interest is attached to the appearance of the real-life characters— Mr. W. M. Hughes, in his part as Prime Minister in 1919; Capt. P. G. Taylor who re-enacts his feat of transferring oil from the disabled engine to the failing port motor during the trans-Tasman flight: and John T. Stannage. who also took part in the latter crossing. Support is "Report on Japan," which gives a clear picture of present condi-tions in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. 'Ill Be Your Sweetheart" YORK.—In a well-contrasted double-feature bill, 'Til Be Your Sweetheart" takes pride of place because of Margaret Lockwood'a vivacious acting and singing of the popular old-tame music hall songs. Excellent script and pro duction makes ibis Gainsborough film bright and entertaining. Dedicated "to the great melody makers of yesterday,*' and set In the London of the early 1900's, the story deals with the struggles ol these men against the music pirates of the time. Margaret lAckwood Is a glittering scar as Edle Story, music hall favorite of the day, and she has a. new leading man In Michael Bennle. who rivals Peter Graves for her hand. Vic Oliver provides somr amusing moments ss a struggling sons writer. Apart from the title song, old favorites include ??Honeysuckle and th? Bee." in a brilliantly original stage set. "Ob, Mr. Porter," and "Liza Johnson." Clever dance sequences by Wendy Toy* are an outstanding feature, and fight scenes when the publishers break tip thr Berwick market and the headiniarters of the music pirates provide the dramatic touches. ?They Knew Bar. Kvigiu," based od the novel by Dorothy Whipple. has some nne acting by Nora Swinburne. Mervyn Johns and Alfred Drayton. But drags somewhat at times. "Captain Kidd" REGENT.—United Artists, with one eye on juvenile audiences, have filmed the biography of the notorious pirate, CapL Kidd. lashings of bullion, yardarms, Jolly Rogers and King's Men have been included and the result is both ex citing and entertaining. On the whole the script is excel lent, and the only thing the film lacks is technicolor. Charles Laughton was apparently chosen for the bad because of his classic role in '"Mutiny on the Bounty." He turns In Us usual polished performance but his Interpretation suggests Patlv* Christmas more than a bloodthirsty pirate chief. His cynical orations over the bodies of his dead enemies are tna outstanding scenes In the aim. John Carradlne and Gilbert Roland play two of the pirates whose hours are numbered by their ambition* captain, and Randolph Scott is the hero of tb? piece. In a completely unnecessary role, Barbara Brltton does ""*>?'"g more than look lovely. In the support, "West of the Pecos." Bobert Mi**-*""" a young actor of the proportions of Gary Cooper, shows out standing promises. The Show Goes On Metre.—"Son of Lassie." "Dangerous Partners." Majestic.—"Forever in love." shorts. Civic.—"Out of Tills World." "Dan gerous Passage." Mayfalr.—-Under Western Skies." "I Love a Band Leader/' Revivals ?ex "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Four Jacks and a Jill." liberty.—"Thrill of a Romance." Savoy News-Luxe Highlights from the newsreels at the Savoy News-Luxe Theatre today include: —Bemborough winning the Warwick Stakes, Interview witb Dr. Evatt. Queens land's new Governor, national speed boat championship, race track stewards use helicopter, the Aga Khan weighed in diamonds, England ?- Scotland soccer thrills. Hollywood celebrities attend pre miere, British Army stages aerial war fare demonstration, London mechanical toy exhibition, Holland national road race, making fuel spirit from potatoes, German refugees in.Denmark, safety seats for pilots, NSW schools stage rugby cross-counlxy championship. Kos ciusko ski championship, marriage by long-distance phone. Featurettes include: —"Canine Casa nova" (a Disney cartoon!. "Bountiful Alaska" (color adventure), and "Winged Target" (sports series). Stage Shows Theatre ftnyaL—"While the Sun Shines." Tfvoll Theatre.—Will Mahoney in "The Gay Nineties." "Faust" At Milton Hall The first showing of the German film "Faust" in Adelaide, sponsored by the Film Club, was an outstanding event for all cinema William Dieteile. who has directed some fine AmpH?-np fliwn turns this Ger man legend into a startllngly Imngina tive piece of cinema. By contrasting light and shade he subtly suggests the presence of the Angel and the Devil where a mechanical device would hare spoilt the spirit of the film. Emlle Jannings is Hephlsto: Gosta Dunan, Faust; and Camilla Horn. Mar guerite. The film will be shown again next Thursday at the Milton Hall.