India's First Picture in English

1. India's First Picture in English The Court Dancer - A Beautiful Picture Excellent Dialogues and Excellent Production Values Here is India’s first picture produced in the English language and in comparison with the Hindi and the Bengali versions, the “Court Dancer’ (Raj Nartaki) in English has become a more intense and melodramatic picture. Naturally, therefore, “The Court Dancer” provides better entertainment to all. People have been waiting for years to see the first Indian picture in English. And now here is their chance to see one and a beautiful one at that. Though “The Court Dancer” cannot be compared with the super productions from Hollywood, it is still on level with the some very good pictures from Hollywood and it is a far sight better than several picture coming from Great Britain. As the drama unfolds itself on the screen, “The Court Dancer” supplies a rare thrill with the expectation of Indian artistes talking in English held in suspense for some time. And when the first few sentences are heard, one thinks it all too difficult to believe. And yet it is true too true that our own artistes have delivered the goods almost as effectively as the glamour boys of Hollywood. The original plot of the picture has become more effective than the Indian language versions, as all extraneous sequences have been removed from the English version by cutting it down to approximately 7600 feet. The silly comedy element which had provided such a drag in Hindi and Bengali has been entirely cut out to the utter relief of the audience. The film story has therefore become concise, deliberate and more effective.

2. A STORY WITH MODERN PARALLELS This is a story of a great love between a prince and a court dancer. It is an ancient story from one of the most colourful kingdoms of India - Manipur. But in its essentials, even this ancient story finds modern parallels in our present-day life. Because the drama is born out of the maladjustments of our social values since times immemorial. Indrani, the lovely court dancer attached to the kingdom of Manipur was in love with Prince Chandrakirti, the heir-apparent to the throne. The Prince reciprocated the sentiment of the dancer with equal sincerity and warmth. The original plot of the picture has become more effective than the Indian language versions, as all extraneous sequences have been removed from the English version by cutting it down to approximately 7600 feet. The silly comedy element which had provided such a drag in Hindi and Bengali has been entirely cut out to the utter relief of the audience. The film story has therefore become concise, deliberate and more effective. POLITICS AND SOCIETY Even in ancient India, just as in the present times, politics interfered with human lives and often changed their course. The neighbouring kingdom of Tripura had a long standing feud with the kingdom of Manipur. And the people of both the kingdoms were looking forward were looking forward anxiously to the marriage of the Princess of Tripura. The King of Manipur, father of the Prince, was only too willing to forge this alliance with the neighbouring kingdom to end an old feud with a powerful enemy. AN INVALUABLE PICTURE The English dialogues are very appropriately worded and lend a distinct charm to the story. Almost all the principal artistes have delivered their dialogues very well in addition to their excellent histrionic work. The dance and song interludes, kept in their original state, provide a welcome contrast with the spoken sequences and at the same time contribute considerably to the cultural atmosphere of the story. Altogether, it is a rare picture not to be missed under any circumstances and even if one has to travel miles for it, it is worth the trouble and expense. “The Court Dancer” is a new experience and as such it is invaluable. This article is a reproduction of the original that appeared in the October 1941 issue of Film India magazine, edited by Baburao Patel.