Kinematograph year book (1933)

20 The Kinematograph Year Book. Of the total of 466 feature films, only 223 were passed by the Censor without cuts, 164 were passed with cuts, and 79 were rejected in the first instance. Of the rejected features, 45 were passed on appeal, 6 were reconstructed, 20 were rejected on appeal, and 6 accepted rejection without appeal, making 26 absolute rejections (18 of which were United States and 8 British productions, representing a percentage of 4.8 and 8.7 of the total films imported from the two countries respectively). The lesser number of " shorts " rejected (16), as compared with the previous year (45), indicates, according to the Censor, a reversion to normal conditions. Among the British films banned were " Keepers of Youth " (in Victoria) and " Frankenstein " (in South Australia). German, French and Italian films have been favourably received in Australia, though here, too, the Censor has found occasion to use his scissors ; while an Australian production, " The Haunted Barn," was banned altogether for exhibition to children. Export of films from Australia included 708 to the British Empire and Mandated Territories, 77 to the United States, and 84 to other foreign countries. A large proportion of these are scenics and travelogues, as well as the local news reels, which are well up to standard and are extensively exhibited throughout the world. Cinesound, for instance, is incorporated as a regular feature of the Pathe Gazette and Pathetone Weekly. There are indications of a slight revival in the production of feature-length dramatic films in Australia. Bondi (Cinesound) Studios of Australasian Films made " On Our Selection " (8,000 feet), which ran for six weeks at the Capitol in Sydney and is said to have grossed nearly £100,000 locally. Adapted from the play based on Steele Rudd's humorous backblocks classic, it has Bert Bailey and other well-known stage players in the cast. It has been acquired by Universal for release in Great Britain, where it will be shown under the title of " Down on the Farm." In addition to the filming of two operatic overtures, with full orchestra, and the "Figaro" aria from " The Barber of Seville " (sung by Apollo Granforte, of the Italian Grand Opera Company, at the Theatre Royal), Efftee Film Productions of Melbourne, have made three talkie features, " The Sentimental Bloke," " His Royal Highness " and " Harmony Row," besides a number of " shorts." Other films produced in Australia include " The Blonde Captive " (the record of a scientific expedition into Northern Australia, with a commentary by Lowell Thomas), released by Columbia. To promote good will and co-operation between England and Australia, a Sydney newspaper, The World, inaugurated a competition in conjunction with British International Pictures, as the result of which Judy Kelly, the prizewinning brunette, is now being groomed for stardom at the Elstree Studios. She has already appeared in the Jewish comedy, "Money Talks," and has been awarded a two-year contract. Other Australians featured in recent British International productions are Nancy Brown, the musical comedy star, and Betty Stockfeld, both appearing in " The Maid of the Mountains." New Zealand. — Attendances showed a marked decline, though wiring of houses proceeded steadily, only 30 out of a total of 369 being now without talkie equipment. In the past year, 12,634 linear feet of film were imported, of which 10,274 feet came from the United States, 1,142 feet from the United Kingdom, 1,126 feet from Australia, and 92 feet from other countries. A chain of " All-British " theatres has been established in New Zealand by British Dominion Films (Australia), Ltd. The New Zealand Government is co-operating with Filmcraft, Ltd., Wellington, in the production of a 6,000-7,000 feet sound and colour film, of the social and industrial develop, mant of the Dominion, entitled " New Zealand To-day."