The Far Paradise
| The Far Paradise | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Paulette McDonagh |
| Produced by | Paulette McDonagh |
| Written by | Paulette McDonagh |
| Starring |
Marie Lorraine Gaston Mervale |
| Cinematography | Jack Fletcher |
Production company |
MCD Productions |
| Distributed by |
British Dominion Films (Aust) Universal Pictures (UK) |
Release dates |
14 July 1928 1930 (UK) |
Running time | 85 minutes (7,000 feet) |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £2,000[1] |
The Far Paradise is a 1928 Australian silent film directed by Paulette McDonagh and starring Marie Lorraine the stage name of Isabel McDonagh. This is the second feature from the McDonagh sisters.[2]
Graham Shirley in Australian Cinema commented: "...one of the best-directed of all Australian features prior to the coming of sound."
Plot
In the town of Kirkton, James Carson is involved in crime and is investigated by the Attorney-General, Howard Lawton. Carson's daughter Cherry falls in love with Lawton's son Peter, and Lawton forbids the relationship. James Carson goes into hiding, taking Cherry with him.
A year later Peter finds Cherry selling flowers in a mountain tourist resort, trying to support her now-alcoholic father. Carson dies of a heart attack and Cherry can marry Peter.
Cast
- Marie Lorraine as Cherry Carson
- Gaston Mervale as James Carson
- Arthur McLaglen as Karl Rossi
- John Faulkner as Howard Lawton
- Paul Longuet as Peter Lawton
- Arthur Clarke as Lee Farmer
- Harry Halley as Brock
Production
The death of the McDonaghs' father left them ₤500 in debt after their first film. However a rich uncle of theirs died in Chile, enabling them to start a second movie.[3]
Shooting began in March 1928.[4] The film's interiors were shot at the McDonagh family home, Drummoyne House, Sydney, and the exteriors in the Burragorang Valley and the Bondi studios of Australasian Films, plus some shots done in Melbourne.[5]
Reception
The film was well reviewed and performed strongly at the box office.[6]
References
- ↑ "FOOTLIGHTS and Film Flickers.". Western Mail. Perth: National Library of Australia. 8 November 1928. p. 7. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
- ↑ "New Australian Pam.". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 21 April 1928. p. 19. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
- ↑ Ross Cooper, "The McDonagh Sisters", Cinema Papers, July 1974 p261
- ↑ "FEMINIST CLUB.". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 14 March 1928. p. 9. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
- ↑ "FOOTLIGHTS and FILM FLICKERS.". Western Mail. Perth: National Library of Australia. 14 June 1928. p. 12. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
- ↑ ""THE FAR PARADISE.".". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 20 June 1928. p. 12. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
- Murray, Scott, ed. (1994). Australian Cinema. St.Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin/AFC. p. 21. ISBN 1-86373-311-6.
- The Far Paradise at the NSFA
- The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 21 April 1928.