"AUSTRALIAN COMEDY Pat Hanna's "Waltzing Matilda" For his new production 'Waltzing Matilda," Pat Hanna adopts constructive methods for his comedy similar to those on which his former films have been based. He introduces romance in plenty, but the emphasis is placed on the lively activities of three comrades of the "Musketeer" type, whose humor is largely alcoholic.
The story is that of James Brown (Norman French) and his rough-hewn comrade, Chick (Pat Hanna), who run away from a fortune which has been left to Brown, in the belief that a solicitor's agent who is making inquiries at their boarding-house is a plain-clothes constable investigating an escapade of the previous night. The two tramp with their swags to Banjaroo, a station on which their former comrade of the A.I.F., McTavish (Joe Valli), is overseer. On the way Brown assists a charming young motorist. Dorothy Young (Dorothy Parnham), to remedy some engine trouble. After having obtained work as boundary riders on Banjaroo they discover that Dorothy is the daughter of its owner. Neither she nor Brown allows that handicap to remain an obstacle to romance. The persistence of the solicitor in discovering Brown, and the belief of Brown and Chick that his intentions arc malevolent, form the motive for some very entertaining nonsense.
Excellent use has been made of some typically Australian scenic backgrounds, both on the tramp from Melbourne to Banjaroo and on the station itself. The outdoor photography throughout is a distinctive feature of the film.
But the comedy lacks balance because of the too persistent emphasis on alcoholic comedy at the expense of romance. Joe Valli" makes a very casual lover of Ethel Jones, and Norman French does not put all the enthusiasm into his devotion to Dorothy which Dorothy Parnham, in her interpretation of the part, deserves. Two very good character studies arc those of the stately and hard-bitten Mrs. Young and her henpecked husband.
The film reveals a progressive improvement in Mr. Hanna's productive work, and any defects are of a nature which can be eliminated by experience. Both as a picture and as entertainment "Waltzing Matilda" Is infinitely better than than some other films out today."
Later...
"Sydney film trade publication, "Film Weekly," went to considerable trouble to obtain a complete list of Australian-made talkie films. This list, which aroused much interest in film circles, showed that in the eight years between 1930 and 1937 no fewer than 44 pictures were made, of which 28 received screenings in most parts of the Commonwealth. In view of the discussions between the British, Common-wealth and New South Wales Governments on Australian pictures in relation to the British Quota Bill the list Fix this takes on added interest at the moment."
The story is that of James Brown (Norman French) and his rough-hewn comrade, Chick (Pat Hanna), who run away from a fortune which has been left to Brown, in the belief that a solicitor's agent who is making inquiries at their boarding-house is a plain-clothes constable investigating an escapade of the previous night. The two tramp with their swags to Banjaroo, a station on which their former comrade of the A.I.F., McTavish (Joe Valli), is overseer. On the way Brown assists a charming young motorist. Dorothy Young (Dorothy Parnham), to remedy some engine trouble. After having obtained work as boundary riders on Banjaroo they discover that Dorothy is the daughter of its owner. Neither she nor Brown allows that handicap to remain an obstacle to romance. The persistence of the solicitor in discovering Brown, and the belief of Brown and Chick that his intentions arc malevolent, form the motive for some very entertaining nonsense.
Excellent use has been made of some typically Australian scenic backgrounds, both on the tramp from Melbourne to Banjaroo and on the station itself. The outdoor photography throughout is a distinctive feature of the film.
But the comedy lacks balance because of the too persistent emphasis on alcoholic comedy at the expense of romance. Joe Valli" makes a very casual lover of Ethel Jones, and Norman French does not put all the enthusiasm into his devotion to Dorothy which Dorothy Parnham, in her interpretation of the part, deserves. Two very good character studies arc those of the stately and hard-bitten Mrs. Young and her henpecked husband.
The film reveals a progressive improvement in Mr. Hanna's productive work, and any defects are of a nature which can be eliminated by experience. Both as a picture and as entertainment "Waltzing Matilda" Is infinitely better than than some other films out today."
Later...
"Sydney film trade publication, "Film Weekly," went to considerable trouble to obtain a complete list of Australian-made talkie films. This list, which aroused much interest in film circles, showed that in the eight years between 1930 and 1937 no fewer than 44 pictures were made, of which 28 received screenings in most parts of the Commonwealth. In view of the discussions between the British, Common-wealth and New South Wales Governments on Australian pictures in relation to the British Quota Bill the list Fix this takes on added interest at the moment."
