Page 11 - VMM_dec1951

F.K.M.-Nice little human comedy, well planned and carried through logically
to an appropriate ending. The child was excellent. More amateur films of thi9
lype, which tell a story simply and imaginatively, should be attempted as a change
1 ro.-:1 dull and static scripts.
' ( unsteady tilt at
R.E.L.-Opening shot after main title somewhat jarring; also
close, otherwise very nice, steady photography. Some variation generally in
exposures, but generally excellent throughout. Composition generally good.
V.F.W.-Too many changes of colour from shot to shot for a story that was
st.:ppose:J to take place in the space of an afternoon.
L.L.-Could have been shortened with more cutting. Although the leisurely
tempo is in keeping with the quiet idea, shots could be trimmed down and the
story put across more compactly. Summary-it takes rather a long ·time to tell
a story we've already guessed.
"BEACH CARNIVAL"
F.K.M.-Effectively a well-told story of lifesaving, which breaks away from
stereotyped camera impressions of this activity. Thoughtful approach to interest-
ing, if often photographed, subject.
R.E.L.-Camera pans a little more than necessary in some places, but good
idea of filters gives dramatic effect and, coupled with excellent exposures, produces
some first-class monochrome film. Photography very pleasing throughout.
V.F.W.- Great changes o,f exposure and general quality, some over-filtering,
misuse of telephoto lens and lack of photographic continuity. Lacking in L.S.
generally.
L.L.-Still a little hazy about one or two events in beach carnival. Develop-
ment of idea was good, and use of contrasting tempo good, but the sequences appear
to tail off rather than reach a definite climax.
" THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD"
F.K.M.-Interesting straightforward depiction of a scen ically delightful road.
The full beauty of the trip, however, evaded the camera in this instance, though,
maybe, it would be difficult to capture within a limited footage.
R.E.L.-Very pleasing photography generally throughout. Slight variation in
e.<posure, but composition generally good. One or more pans could have been
improved.
V.F.W.-Very well photographed trip of the Ocean Road; slightly soft, but
p::>3sibly due to colour processing.
L.L.-Moving leisurely from place to place, but no contrast in film tempo
oo:nd lack of interesting features marred an otherwise good effort. More human
interest and close-ups, please.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
Quite a good comedy effort, overdone in spots, lampooning cine camera text-
book advice. Any effort to break away from travelogues, personal records and
other stereotyped movies, as this has done, deserves encouragement. Exposures
•ather erratic in places. The editing could be "tighter" in comedies and the
sequences built up with speed. The laughs must develop quickly.

VICTORIAN MOVIE MAKERS 8 DECEMBER, 1951. 11