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LAVISH PREMIERE
FOR AUSTN. FILM
Charles Chauvel's long-awaited Australian film
"Sons of Matthew" was given a lavish premiere at
the Lyceum Theatre last night. From 7 p.m. on.
'crowds milled round the
theatre in Pitt St. and
searchlights flashed. The
house was packed.
A FTER the show, the film's
distributors staged a party
for hundreds of guests at
Usher's Hotel. Whole turkeys,
hams, hot and cold dishes and
drinks were served by an army
of waiters.
The film itself received a
good hand from the audience,
but there were faults too
familiar in Australian films.
The dialogue was clumsy and
uninspired. For example, when
in a raging torrent Michael
Pate and Wendy Gibbs are
fighting for their lives, Pate
says fatuously to Wendy,
"We've got to get out of here."
The film took too long to
get into its stride, and dwelt
too long in one place.
There wei'e the contrasts of
strong Australian accents
clashing with the rather pukka
British-sounding voice of
Michael Pate, and the music,
somewhat routine in character,
ground on through the film al
most uninterrupted.
Against this, there was
some really first-class camera
work, good indoor lighting,
and much of the scenery was
grand.
The action scenes were a
credit to the director, and John
O'Malley. Michael Pate and
Wendy Gibbs all gave sound
performances.
Indeed, camera, landscape
and the leading artists pulled
the film through.
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