BIG FILM DEAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 46, 3 December 1938, Page 3

BIG FILM DEAL

M.-G.-M. PRODUCTIONS. IMPORTANT STARS AND STORIES. One of the most important fillti deals of recent years was completed this week when the 1939 output of motion pictures from the Metro-Goldwyu-Mayer, Ltd., studios was secured by Fuller Theatre Corporation, Ltd., and John Fuller and Sons, Ltd., J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, Ltd., and New Zealand Theatres, Ltd. Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer and these exhibiting organisations, who have the largest number of city, suburban, and provincial theatres throughout the Dominion, have been associated for an unbroken period of nine years. In 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will have an array of outstanding productions. Among the famous and popular performers wjll be Norma Shearer, who has returned to the screen after a rather long absence since the untimely death of her producer-lmshaud, Irving Thalberg, and who will he seen in the spectacular production, “Marie Antoinette,” in which Tyrone Power, Robert Morley, John Barrymore, Anita Louise, Joseph Schildkraut and Gladys George also appear. Other stars who will be seen in a wide variety of films are Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, Clark Gable, Myrna Loy. Luise Rainer. Robert Donat, Robert Taylor, Spencer Tracy. Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery’’, Mickey Rooney, Wallace Beery, Freddie Bartholomew, Margaret Sullavan, Melvvn Douglas, Maureen O’Sullivan; also such well-known players as Rosalind Russell, Frank Morgan, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, Henry Hull, Cecilia Parker, Robert Young, James Stewart, Walter Pidgeon, Franchot Tone, Janet Gaynor, Walter Connolly, Reginald Owen, Mary Astor, Paulette Goddard, H. B. Warner, Nat Pendelton, Lev Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Denis O’Keefe, and Herbert Marshall.

In view of the sensation caused by Dr. Crbnin’s book, a special interest attaches to the film version of “The Citadel,’’ with Robert Donat and Rosalind Russell in the principal roles. Another highly important feature, which breaks clean away from the usual, is “Boy’s Town,” with that aco of character actors, Spencer Tracy, playing, for the second time in his career, tho role of a priest (the first occasion being in “San Francisco”). “Boy’s Town”, is the actual story of Father Flanagan’s vast camp for homeless boys in Nebraska. It was founded 21 years ago by Father Flanagan, who insisted that the boys should govern themselves, Froni among their number Jhev elect a Mayor and commissioners; they appoint their own punishments (to fit the crime), and their own rewards. '

There will also be “Love Finds Andy Hardy,” one of the increasinglypo pillar, and wholesome “Judge Hardy’s Children” series, with Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lewis Stone, and Cecilia Parker. “The Shining Hour” will have a great cast in Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullavan, Melvvn Douglas, and Robert Young, likewise “Three Loves Has Nancy,” with Robert Montgomery, Janet Gaynor, Franchot Tone, Claire Dodd, Reginald Owen and Guy Kibbee. “Stablemates” will star Wallace Beery, Mickey Rooney, and Margaret Hamilton, “Shopworn Angel” Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart and Walter Pidgeon, “Listen Darling” Freddie Bartholomew, Judy Garland, "Walter Pidgeon, and Mary Astor, “Rich Man, Poor Girl” Robert Young, Lew Avres, and Ruth Hussey, and “Fast Company” Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice. In addition to “The Great Waltz,” Luise Rainer will he seen in “Dramatic School,” in which she is supported by Alan Marshall and Paulette Goddard, and in the big success, “Toy Wife,” in which Melvyn Douglas is her leading man. and there also appear Robert Young, Barbara O’Neil and H. B. Warner.

Laurel and Hardy, the ever-popular comedians who recently broke their long partnership, will be farewelled in what is described as their funniest comedy, “Block-heads,” Other leading productions are to he announced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer later.