On the Friendly Road is a 1936 film from New Zealand which told a story of New Zealand in the depression.[1][2] It was made in and around Auckland, using local actors and locally-made cameras.[3]
| On the Friendly Road | |
|---|---|
 Jean Hamilton and John Mackie in On the Friendly Road | |
| Directed by | Rudall Hayward |
| Based on | radio show by Colin Scrimgeour |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7592 feet 84 minutes |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £800 (initial) |
It is one of four films made in 1935 (with The Devil's Pit, Down on the Farm, and Hei Tiki ) which lay claim to be the first "New Zealand talkie". However, the film was not completed until early 1936,[3] and had its premiere in Auckland on 28 August 1936.[4]
Plot edit
The plot involves Mac McDermott who is wrongly accused of theft and imprisoned, but is finally vindicated and cleared. The crusading Rev Colin Scrimgeour played himself.
Cast edit
- John Mackie as McDermott
- Jean Hamilton as Mary
- Stanley Knight as Bill
- Colin Scrimgeour as Uncle Scrim
- James Swan as Stevenson
- Neville Goodwin as Harry
- James Martin as Alex
- Arnold Goodwin as Mike
- Harold Metcalfe as Snuffy
- Alan Leonard as the Bobby
- Wharepaia as Hori
- Kahu as the Chieftainess[5]
Reception edit
After the premiere, the reviewer for the Auckland Star called the film "a minor triumph. The film undoubtedly reaches a good standard and its ingredients of drama and sparkling comedy are mixed in a manner to command the attention of the audience throughout", but added that "the dialogue has its weaknesses and there is an occasional hiatus in the action".[4] The New Zealand film historian Sam Edwards said in 1997 that the film has one-dimensional characters so is melodramatic, and "has not improved with age".[6]
References edit
- ^ L. R. Shelton. 'Hayward, Rudall Charles Victor - Biography', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Sep-10 accessed 22 November 2012
- ^ On the Friendly Road at the New Zealand Film Project accessed 22 November 2012
- ^ a b "Film Made in Auckland". New Zealand Herald: 14. 24 April 1936.
- ^ a b "Film Programmes Reviewed". Auckland Star: 16. 29 August 1936.
- ^ "City Provides Cast for New Film". New Zealand Herald: 16. 2 May 1936.
- ^ Helen Martin & Sam Edwards, New Zealand Film 1912-1996, Oxford University Press, Auckland, 1997, p. 49.
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