THE ANSWER CORNER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 88, 15 April 1933, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE ANSWER CORNER.

REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.

T.M.T. —The hero in "The Leatherpushers" was Kane Richmond, not Reginald Denny. BALLETS. —Probably the four best-known ballet troupes in the world are the Folies Bergeres, Paris; Chariot's Revue, London ; Earl Carroll's "Vanities" and the lata Florenz Ziegfeld's "Follies," both of New York. FILM STRUCK.—Addresses you ask for ura ag follow: Jauet Gaynor, Sally ■Eilers, Marian Nixon, Warner Baxter, Charles Farrell and Will Rogers, all at Fox Films Corporation, Movietone City, Hollywood, U.S.A.; Lupe Velez, "Ginger" Rogers, Ann Harding, Joel McCrea, Helen Twelvetrees, and Dolores Del Rio, at Radio Pictures, 780, Gower Street, Hollywood; Marlene Dietrich, Anna May "Wong, Sari Maritza and Clive Brook, at Paramount Famous-Lasky Corporation, 5451, Marathon Street, Hollywood; Jean Harlow, Robert Montgomery, John Barr.vmore, Clark Gable, Maureen O'Sullivan, Joan Crawford, and Ronald (Jolman, at the Metro-Goldw.vn-Mayer Studios, Culver City, Hollywood; Boris Karloff and John Boles, at the Universal Studios, Universal City, Hollywood; and Loretta Young, at Warner Brothers Pictures, 5842, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. RIO RITA.—(a) Colin Clive's address .it the moment is difficult to give, as it is not known whether he is in England or America, (b) Correspondence would lind Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, care of the New York Theatre Guild, New York. They are to make no more iilms. (c) Richard Tauber's address would probably be care of Ufa Film Studios, Berlin, but it is more than likely that he is, on another singing trip in Europe. (d) Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt were married shortly alter their first meeting about ten years ago, «in Washington, and during their long association with the New York Theatre Guild they have appeared in many triumphant stage productions. Lunt was born in Milwaukee, U.S.A., while his wife is London-born, although her father, Jules, of French descent, resides in Wellington. She weighs 1301b, is Oft sin tall, and has black hair and eyes. She went to America from London at the age of 10. Her age is 51, while her husband's i« 40.

Work has now been completed on a new British production, "Sally Bishop," directed by T. Hayes Hunter. The title role will be in the hands of Joan Barrjs, while Owen Nares will play opposite her. The story was written by the late E. Temple Thurston, who died in England three weeks ago.

"The Rome Express," a new British film made at Shepherd's Bush, has one of the most pretentious casts ever to be gathered in England. It includes Joan Barry, who is best remembered for her unforgettable portrayal in "The Outsider," Esther Ralston, specially brought from Hollywood for the part, Cedric Hardwicke, Harold Huth and Gordon Harker. Each of these stars is cast in a role suited to Ms or her particular type of acting talents. "The Rome Express" is said to be one of the most elaborate productions yet turned out by Britain to date.

"Jack's the Boy" last week completed its twelfth week of its season at tlie Majestic Theatre, Melbourne, with business still booming, and every prospect of further extending its tally of weeks; in fact, Melbourne is beginning to wonder whether "Sunshine Susie's" all-time record of nineteen weeks is not in danger. The, same programme is being shown at the same time in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, which must surely be another record:

Talkie directors must above all things be versatile. If a certain sequence demands a pink elephant, then the said animal must be produced within the minimum amount of time. Millard Webb, who directed lan Hay's clever melodrama, "The Happy Ending," at Shepherd's Bush studios, has borrowed all sort# of things for his films, from perambulators to a European set of crown jewels. He has now secured the loan of the Cunarder Ascania, which, on arrival from New York was anchored at King George V. Dock, and used for some exciting day and night "abandon scenes. The director had already "shot a variety of settings, including an Indian railway station, the dining-saloon of a giant liner, the interiors of Indian and Honolulu bungalows, the exteriors of a French inn and an English manor,. and hotels in London and Buenos Ayres. All of which—with the exception of the station —were constructed at Shepherd's Bush. "The Happy Ending," which stars George Barraud and Benita Hume, is one of a programme of outstanding British dialogue films to be released this year in New Zealand.

"The Man They Couldn't Arrest," which will shortly be released throughout New Zealand, boasts of possibly one of the largest casts playing varied roles that have ever been seen in one British talkie. Hugh Wakefield, the star, is portrayed as an elegant, monocled and slightly stammering hero. _ Gordon Harker renders his characteristic interpretation of the Cockney type, while Renee Clama, who is incidentally, the only woman in the film, presents a new type of heroine.

"Say It With Music," starring Jack Payne and his band, gives Percy Marmont the leading role in his first musical subject. Following upon the statement that Jack Payne would play only original British numbers in "Say It With Music," Herbert Wilcox announces that after a searching examination of all work sent in, Jack Payne has decided to make use almost exclusively of numbers by the British composer, Bay Noble, since his works have proved themselves to be far superior to anything else submitted. Noble's best known numbers include "Goodnight Sweetheart," "I Found You," which was one of the tunes chosen to be played at last year's lioyal Command performance.

A sign of the times in Sydney is provided by the decision to reopen the Capital Theatre on Easter Saturday with an all-Australian programme. This theatre has been closed since December, and, but for an all-Australian programme being available it would probably have remained closed indefinitely. The programme for the reopening will be the same as that which has just done eight weeks at Hoyts De Luxe, Melbourne, comprising the Efftee film, "Harmony Row," starring George Wallace, and Pat Hanna's "Diggers In Blighty."

Cable dispatches indicate clearly that "Cavalcade" in its premiere at the Tivoli Theatre in London achieved the success expected of it. One of most representative audiences in the history of the cinema in London attended. Three days before the opening the house was sold out for two weeks in advance, and the sale is rapidly mounting. The Press was unanimous in its praise. "It is the noblest and most inspiring film ever made in the world," said "The Times." The "Daily Express" gave it five stars and said, "'Cavalcade' is a milestone." The "Daily Telegraph" called it "one of those rare pictures that give dignity and stature to the screen." The trade Press was no less enthusiastic. According to "Film Pictorial, " 'Cavalcade' is the most brilliant and moving production ever seen in England." It is the greatest masterpiece Hollywood has yet sent us," stated the "Film Renter." "Cavalcade" already has more bookings than any picture ever exhibited in the British Isles. Its ultimate achievement of a new box office record is almost a foregone conclusion.

Herbert Wilcox,- director of many British productions announces that "Antoinette," the light comedy starring Winifred Shotter and Owen Nares, has been retitled "The Love Contract." Herbert Selpin, a Continental director of much repute, was especially brought over to inake this film. He was also the director of the German silent version of "Antoinette," which took Berlin by storm a few years ago.

"Voltaire" may end George Arliss' association with Warner Brothers. Finding it increasingly difficult to secure stories for the star, the studio feels that there would be less risk and a greater profit if it secures the actor's services on those occasions when a suitable vehicle is found. Under such an arrangement probably not more than a single picture would be made by Mr. Arliss each year, which the studio would attempt to make outstanding. It is believed that "Voltaire" will be an unusual film, but when it is finished they will be in the same place they were when "Disraeli" was made. They will have a star whose future can be spoiled by poor stories.

After a fortnight's perfect weather Sinclair Hill returned to London with "The Man From Australia" unit, to take on the last of his interior scenes at the Islington studios. Whilst at Amberley Jessie Matthews learnt quite a few things about cars. The sports car she drives in the film has a different gear formation to that of her own "bus." Consequently, when directed by Sinclair Hill to dash off in a hurry and a temper she reversed with considerable effect into a Sussex cornfield. When the day's work was over, and if the light permitted, Sinclair Hill and Kenneth Kove (a pallid country curate in the film) used to play a few sets of strenuous tennis.

A stupendous "set," which took two days and nights to build and which occupied the whole of the floor space at the British Lion Studios, Beaconsfield, was used for sequences of "There Goes the Bride," directed by Albert de Courville. "Shootin" on this "set," with Owen Nares, Jessie Matthews, Carol Goodner, Jack Morrison, Max Kirky and Roland Culver on call, went on throughout the whole of one Sunday until midnight, and occupied a further week before this important sequence was completed. The buffet set, tastefully dressed with genuine caviare, quail and other luxuries, prepared by the Savoy Hotel chef, provided unusual studio fare for Matthews and Owen Nares during several "takes."

"Yes, Mr. Brown," is the latest film to feature Jack Bxichanan and Douglas Furber. From the German film success, "Ein Sisschen Liebe," "Yes, Mr. Brown" is a modern light comedy with musical numbers by Paul Abraham, the composer of the music of "Sunshine Susie" and "Viktoria and Her Hussar." It tells the story of an American, Mr. Brown, proprietor of a world-wide toy manufacturing company, whose search for romance while visiting his Vienna branch causes the branch manager, played by Jack Buchanan, several hectic hours and involves a-group of people in a succession of embarrassing matrimonial situations. Elsie Randolph appears opposite Jack Buchanan as the branch, manager's secretary, a characterisation giving full scope to her talents as a comedienne. The part of Mr. Brown is taken by Hartley Power, the American character actor.

Two British box office attractions have been presented in London recently. "Apart from the obvious pulling powers of the subjects shown, they have given definite proofs of the tremendous strides now being taken by British productions," says the "Daily Film Renter." The last to be completed of the trio of talkies was "The Love Contract," which features Winifred Shotter and Owen Nares. The film is gay and amusing entertainment, replete with genuinely humorous sequence delivered in a style with a peculiar attraction to Britons. Appearing as a chauffeuse, Miss Shotter is said to give a very appealing performance, and proves her ability to put over a song number in aivinimitable way. Tlie other production was the farce, "Thark," with Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, causing gales of laughter by their antics in a haunted house. Both productions will be released throughout New Zealand shortly.