NOTED WRITERS USED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

NOTED WRITERS USED.

NEW MODE OF THE SCREEN.

Hugh Walpole went to Hollywood at the invitation of David Selzniek to adapt "David Copperfleld" for filming. Influenced by the success of the picture and the experience of Walpole, John Masefield has accepted an offer to prepare "Romeo and Juliet" for the screen. The films have advanced far past thd days when little was to be expected from a classic but the mangled remains. Great authors, recognising this, are glad to give their services and to write original stories for well-known producers. Walpole will go back for the production of his "Captain Nicholas." Some years ago H. G. Wells wrote a novel in scenario form, "The History of the King." It was deemed unsuitable, but his more recent "Shape of Things to Come" is now in production. John Drinkwater wrote the dialogue for "Royal Cavalcade" and E. W. Lipscoinbe has several screen successes to his credit. Lipscombe was responsible for the preparation of "Les Miserables." His most recent transcription is "A Tale of Two Cities," in which Ronald Colman is starred. Once upon a time Hollywood engaged about them. To-day studio executives realise that playwrights are their most valuable asset.