DASH FOR SHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 288, 5 December 1935, Page 11

DASH FOR SHIP.

AUSTRALIAN ACTOR.

BY 'PLANE TO WELLINGTON.

TO JOIN MISS TWELVETREES,

Yesterday morning he was living the normal life of a successful young actor, breakfasting leisurely as befitted one who had trodden the boards vigorously and well the night before.

By the end of the afternoon he had entered aviation—merely in the passive role of passenger, of course; but in a helter-skelter fashion that lent an added thrill to the adventure.

And this morning, all being well, he will be thrust into a new role —that of a stoker, or deck hand, or steward, or something equally practical on the good ship Golden Coast, which is due to sail from Wellington for Australia somewhere about 7 a.m.

In a few days' time, by way of a change, he will be making love to Miss Helen Twclvetrees.

The man is Mr. Frank Leigliton, of the Roberta Company, who has been engaged to play in the Australian film production, "The Thoroughbred," with Helen Twelvetrees, who recently arrived iii Sydney from Hollywood by way of Auckland. Yesterday morning Mr. Leighton was with his company in Dunedin, where consternation reigned when it was announced that, because of the shipping strike, there seemed to be no way of getting him to Sydney in time for work on the picture (states yesterday's "Dominion").

Word was sent to Sydney where the director of the picture, Mr. Ken Hall, undismayed, spoke by wireless telephone to Mr. R. L. Grant, New Zealand general manager of British Empire Films. Would lie rustle about and see what could be done? Mr. Grant replaced the receiver and rustled.

As a result of his eflorts, plus the helpful co-operation of the Post and Telegraph Department, several airmen, and Messrs. Burns, Philp and Company, Mr. Leighton left Dunedin yesterday with a good chance of being in Sydney on time. He was flown to Timaru, arriving at 8.30 p.m. At 3.30 a.m. the aeroplane was due to depart from Timaru for Christchurch, load fuel and take off for Wellington, arriving at 6.15 a.m. At that hour Mr. Grant planned to be waiting at Rongotai with his motor car.

The Golden Coast was to have left Wellington yesterday, but an appeal to Messrs. Burns, Philp and Company's Sydney office made it possible for the ship to be delayed until Mr. Leighton is placed aboard, signed on in some capacity or other, and left—presumably somewhat dazed—to ponder upon the go-getting methods of the modern film producer.