Casting For "The Citadel"

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 7 (Supplement)

Casting For "The Citadel"

A interesting and important figure in the background of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's British ventures is 46-year-o!d Harold Huth, casting director, who was responsible for some of the lovely character work in "A Yank at Oxford and who, in casting the 105 roles in the film version of Dr. A. J. Cronin s controversial doctor-novel "The Citadel," has just completed the biggest task of his career.

By. Joan Littleiield

Mr. ITutli. shortish. with iron-grey hair, a Ronald Colmaii moustache, dark, magnetic eyes and a sense of humour, began life as a motor engineer. He saw active service in France during the world war,

a lid did nol turn hi.- thought- to acting until lJtiiT. when he |ilnyed in a I>rit:-11 lilm called "One of t lie ilet-t." lie then turned to the theatre, playing a number of parts with success.' his greatest hit being ais the "quock" <loetor. Anton Ragatsky. in "The Outsider." After appearing in various < Ja'uniont-British film*. including '"Koine Kxpress."' Mr. Huth retired from acting, owinjr to illhealth. but ill joined the GaumontBritish Corporation a« casting director.

His connection with M.O.M. British began in 1937. When 'A Yank at Oxford - ' was finished. Mr. Iluth at once lx'san bis search for actors for "The Citadel."' It took him four months of preparation, but he considers it one of the most interesting jobs he has ever done. "hach part of 'The Citadel' story is a stop in the ladder of the doctor's medical progress." he said, "and it is in the strength of the minor roles that we follow the pattern of the film. I found the story wag a series of cameo roles, strong, vivid studies that perhaps appeared only once, but left a lasting impression. Such roles need first-clas* players, because they have to "get over"' the essence of

the cliiinii ter in a few M'condrs. A piece ot nils-casting could easily throw the whole lilui out dt' kev.

"'lite geographical na 1 tire of 'The Citadel made enisling it an interesting job. We have the change from drab WcHi village's to the shabbier aspects of London's Bay.-.water and tlien to the affluence and smartness of Mayfair. We have to erather a tremendous diversity of typ«? to denote this change of scene and atmosphere, but to be real and lifelike. the change must not be too sudden.''

Two bits of casting Mr. Hutli i~ particularly pleased with are that of Francis L. Sullivan, usually a suave, velvet-voiced villain, as a rough, troublemaking coal miner, and that of Penelope Dudley Ward as the butterfly society girl, Poppy Lc Roy.

Since he has been with M.G.M., Mr. Huth has graded and tabulated British stage and screen talent in one of the most comprehensive casting systems ever known. He has personally assembled a bureau of over 4000 names, and can produce a dossier of every artist, complete with neat, cryptic summarv of his opinion of the player's ability. *

When asked what qualities, in his opinion, make a star. Mr. Huth told me: "Personality, first, foremost, and all the time. Good looks are an asset and so is acting ability. But if the player is young, he can be taught to act. Personalities. however, are born and not made. The ability to act is more important in a supporting player, who must be able to get over his effects in the minimum of time."

_ "Have you yei discovered any poten tial Hollywood stars?" •

"That is hard to say, but I have made teste of some very promising young players, whom we hope first to try out in small parts."

Mr. Huth is now casting "Good-bye. Mr. Chips." which goes on the floor at Denhani shortly with Robert Donat as its star. His most difficult bit of casting is to choosc a girl for the naniepart in "National \elvct," for which Spencer Tracy is coining over. She must be young, a good actress and an excellent horsewoman. In the' story. Velvet is 14. and it is probable an' English child will be chosen for the part, and that it will not be altered so that a Hollywood star, such as Margaret Sullavan. might play it.

Mr. Hutli tshould he a 2o<k! of actinjr. In 1931. he won an award for -tlie hest piece of actingr in London—hk performance as Ragatsky in "The Outsider'—and that was in competition with such fine players as Charles Lansrhton and Robert Donat.