"TALENT IS THERE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 78, 2 April 1932, Page 11

"TALENT IS THERE."

BRITISH-MADE PICTURES. GOOD EFFECT ON INDUSTRY. NO ANTIPATHY IN U.S.A. "So long as pictures entertain it does not matter where they are made," commented Mr. J. W. Hicks,.jun., managing director for Paramount Pictures, Ltd., in Australia and the Far East, who has been recalled to a special executive position in New York. Accompanied by his wife and son, Mr. Hicks arrived at Auckland to-day by the Sierra, on the way through to Los Angeles.

Mr.- Hicks explained that his company had invested a large amount in Britain, and it was impossible for a return to be made to the company by the exhibition of their product in British countries, their efforts being in the direction of producing pictures which would give entertainment throughout the English-speaking world. "That England is making good pictures to-day is a great thing for the industry," he said. "The talent is there, and so is the material, and there is no reason why the product should not be first class. Most of the material used at Hollywood is from English authors, and there is no antipathy, as some people think, to British pictures in the United States. As long as the pictures are good they are welcome. I think that British production, forging ahead as it is, is a splendd thing for the industry, as it makes for competition and keeps of course Hollywood up to date.

Mr. Hicks said that lie had noticed that there was more confidence in Australia recently, and there were signs that business was on the improve. One of the best indications was the recent agricultural show in Sydney, when there was a record attendance.

Referring to orchestras, Mr. Hicks said that they had never gone out in the big theatres, and both the Capitol, in Melbourne, ana the Prince Edward, in Sydney, had orchestras with 22 instruments. Other theatres were now following suit. Mr. Hicks was etertained at the Grand Hotel this afternoon by representatives of New Zealand picture interests.