BRITISH FILMS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20828, 11 April 1933, Page 7

BRITISH FILMS.

$ GREAT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDUSTRY. MAINTAINING SUPREMACY. Complete confidence in the future of British films all over the world was expressed by Mr Ernest Turnbull, managing director of British Dominions Films, Ltd,, on his return to Melbourne from London in the Orama on March 27. Mr Turnbull stated that, after seeing, at first hand, the tremendous developments which have taken place in the British studios, he is more than ever convinced that the dominant position which British films have now achieved, will not only be maintained, but will be strengthened. "No one," he declared, "can have any conception of the strides which have lately been made in film production in England." Everywhere he found the studios working at high pressure and the utmost enthusiasm and greatest confidence in the future were shown by everyone associated with the British film industry. Mr Turnbull stated that he had every reason to feel satisfied with the results of his trip, as far as the affairs of British Dominions Films, Ltd., are concerned. The company's position with regard to British and Dominion Films Corporation had been stabilised, a new contract having been made to cover a period of seven years, and embracing the terms of settlement arrived at in December last. Under the new contract British Dominions Films, Ltd., will continue to handle throughout Australia and New Zealand, the entire output of the great Imperial studios at Borehan Wood. In addition Mr Turnbull was successful in signing up a new contract for five years with the increasingly important Twickenham studios, and a further two years' extension with the British Lion Corporation. He also made arrangements with the Sterling Film Company for release of its product throughout the company's all-British circuit in Australia and New Zealand.

Splendid Films Promised. "The net result of my visit to London," added Mr Turnbull, "is that British Dominions Films, Ltd., is assured of being able to maintain the supply of first grade films for its circuit of All-British theatres, and can look forward to the future with complete confidence. Naturally, with the tremendous development of the British screen industry, there will be a general increase in the number of British films shown in Australia and New Zealand, but as the pioneering release house for British films my company will be found to retain its position as the foremost organisation distributing the product of the principal Brititish studios. Mr Turnbull declared that a noticeable feature of British production was the great variety of themes selected for filming in the various studios. When we recollect the paucity of ideas which Hollywood seems able to evolve it is wonderful to see the comparative versatility of British producers," he declared. "Whilst in London I saw screenings of many of the films which my company will offer on its all-British circuit this year. I think 'Tell Me Tonight,' starring Jan Kiepura, is the most beautiful film I have ever seen. It has everything—humour, wonderful music, romance, and a glorious scenic background. Equally impressive in a different way is 'Rome Express,' the first film to be made at the Gaumont British studio at Shepherd's Bush. This has one of the greatest acting casts ever collected for the screen and has been hailed as a masterpiece of production. Other outstanding produc-

tions listed for release on the circuit are Thark,' which I think is the very best of the Ben Travers comedies played by the Aldwych Theatre Company headed by Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls, and 'The Blarney Stone,' Tom Walls's stax-ring feature, the action of which takes place in London and Ireland. These two films were made at British and Dominions Film Corporation's Imperial studios, which will later this year make the talking version of Noel Coward's 'Bitter Sweet,' and two features starring Jeanette Mac Donald and Herbert Marshall. The association of these two fine artists on the British screen cannot fail to further enhance its prestige. Success in Australia. "The Twickenham studio is keeping pace with the development of British talkies," added Mr Turnbull. "One of its latest productions, 'The Lost Chord,' a romance built around the famous ballad by Sir Arthur Sullivan, will be the outstanding musical feature of the year. It is being produced by Maurice Elvey, who made 'ln a Monastery Garden,' and stars Elisabeth Allen and John Stuart. The picture also features Tudor Davies, a famous English tenor, and Billy Mayerl, a celebrated English pianist. The Twickenham studios will also make 'The Wandering Jew,' with Conrad Vejdt in the name part." Dealing with the position of British films in Australia, Mr Turnbull expressed the keenest satisfaction at the results achieved by his company during his absence. He instanced the wonderful run of "Jack's the Boy," now in its twelfth wesk at the Majestic Theatre, Sydney, and the success of "Marry Me" at the Athetiaeum, Melbourne. Similar results were being achieved throughout the all-British theatre circuit in New Zealand.