Knew Him When...

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 99, 29 April 1939, Page 7 (Supplement)

Knew Him When...

WHEN Clive Brook's new film, "The Ware Case," was being made at Ealing, a quiet, good-looking man in early middle age came to visit the set. One or two technicians nodded cheerfully to him—they knew him as the genial landlord of the local inn, The Bell and always found him a willing audience for news and gossip from the studios. Robert Stevenson was finishing rehearsing Clive Brook and Jane Baxter for their next scene, and the whistle was blown for silence. Clive Brook was about to say his first line when he happened to glance in the direction of the visitor. Quiet, please! ' yelled an assistant. "Turn 'em over!" cried Stevenson. '•Bertie!" shouted Clive Brook, and dashed out of camera range toward the visitor. A moment later he was apologising to Stevenson. "Jn all the years I've been acting on the screen," he*told him. "this is the first time I've spoiled a 'take' on purpose. But you must meet this old friend of mine—Bertram Btirley. We haven t seen each other for years.'' The visitor, somewhat confused, was dragged out and introduced all round. ' didn t think you d recognise me, Clive," he said. "Xot many people do these days." The old hands at the studio certainly remembered Bertram Burlev, one of the best-know British leading men of the old silent days. When Clive Brook wa» a youngster making his way in film*. Bertram Burlev, who l>efriended him and another promising actor called Bona Id Colman, was at the top of the tree. (Hive never forgot him and the advice he then gave him. You re wasting vour time here Clive," Burlev had (~]<! him. "(i„ to Hollywood and you'll make a name for yourself, which, as you know, lie did. The next day Clive Brook. Michael j Bak-on ( who produced "The Ware Case"), Bob Stevenson. Jane Baxter ' and Barry K. Barnes all lunched at "The 1 Bell." And lunch was on "mine host"— Bertram Burlev. How many readers remember Bertram j Burlev? He starred in the Eden Philpotts' film. "Mother of Dartmoor"; in , . Halifax Gentleman"; in "Tnfelioe"; ; ,nd, with Arthur Bourchier and 1 Aleggic Albanesi, in -The Great Day." * ♦ ♦ + 1 pRIKC'KSS "BABA" of Sarawak, is in t a. dilemma. "My wifelv dutv Is to ?o to my husband, in Oakland." she a explains, instead, however, she wants to < eturn to hngland in hopes of a 1 complete reconciliation with her mother, i who has yet to forgive her for marrvin"i wrestler. The blonde "Bab a " 'wifl i also make a picture in London.