m

Opinions on Current Productions
^EATURE REVIEWS
Symbol O dcnotei color photography; ® CInemaScop*; ® ViitoVlslon; (D Supeneopc; (g Naturomo. For story synopsli on each picture, h« rovers* ilde.
C "1 r? Ratio: Comedy-Drama
bmiley r 2.55-1 ©
/" 20th-Fox (703-9) 97 Minutes ReL Jan. '57
A gentle, most heart-warming, tale of life in the bush
country of Australia, this is ideal family fare for the neighborhood
houses, mainly because its title character is a courageous,
freckle-faced nine-year-old, played in completely i;
engaging and natural fashion by CoUn Peterson. In addition
to being too leisurely for the first runs and the action
houses, the only marquee name is Ralph Richardson, the
noted British film star who is currently starring on Broadway
in "Waltz of the Toreadors." Produced and directed
in Australia by Anthony Kimmins for London Films and
superbly photographed in CinemaScope and Technicolor, the
picture is always a treat for the eye, but is generally unexciting
for adults during its first hour, being much like a
"Tom Sawyer" tale. The first note of real conflict arrives
during the latter part of the film and the actual climax
has both suspense and thrills—even if they do come rather
late. Richardson's role of the Baptist minister is comparatively
minor, but he gives it distinction and "Chips" Rafferty,
Australian favorite, is excellent as the local policeman,
who also supplies the romantic Interest with pretty Jocelyn
Hernfield.
Ralph Richardson, John McCallum, Colin Peterson,
"Chips" Rafferty, Jocelyn Hernfield, Charles TingwelL