The Hayseeds (1933)

Interesting facts

The Hayseeds is a 1933 Australian musical comedy from Beaumont Smith. It centres on the rural family, the Hayseeds, about whom Smith had previously made six silent films, starting with Our Friends, the Hayseeds (1917). He retired from directing in 1925 but decided to revive the series in the wake of the box office success of On Our Selection (1932). It was the first starring role in a movie for stage actor Cecil Kellaway.

Production

The movie was part financed by the theatrical firm JC Williamsons, who loaned many of their regular actors and crew to the film. Frank Tait, managing director of Williamsons, said "We have had films in mind for some time. The Hayseeds will give us some definite experience to work on. With so many players available to us and plays of which we hold the rights, we regard film-making as a definite adjunct to our business."

Filming commenced in July 1933. That month Kellaway said "I was handed the script this morning for 'Hayseeds.' It all seems very confusing to me; it is so disjointed. Evidently, the producer has a lot to do."

Some of the scenes were shot at Cinesound's studios in Rushcutter's Bay in August and September 1933, with location work near Pymble. Many of the cast, including Kellaway, John Moore and Shirley Dale, were appearing in the play Music in the Air during filming.

The movie included several songs and dance sequences. The latter were produced by Richard White, who ran a dance academy in Sydney.

Cecil Kellaway's son, Brian, made his film debut alongside his father.

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