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Clip description
Cherry Carson (Isabel McDonagh billed as 'Marie Lorraine’) and James Carson (Gaston Mervale) arrive at a society masked ball. Carson’s business partner Karl Rossi (Arthur McLaglen) keeps an eye on guests.
Note: The original aspect ratio is 1.33:1 (Academy full frame). The print of The Far Paradise obtained by the NFSA had been incorrectly duplicated at an 1.37:1 (Academy) ratio, which has cut approximately 3mm off the top and left-hand side off the frame.
Curator’s notes
This clip shows the dynamic approach taken by Paulette McDonagh and cameraman Jack Fletcher in turning their camera into one of the dancers at a masked ball, and Fletcher’s ability with dissolves (achieved within the camera) to suggest the rather creepy character of Karl Rossi. It also illustrates the lavish production values the McDonaghs derived from borrowed locations, and from the involvement of their social contacts as bit players and extras.
