LIFE OF CECIL RHODES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21363, 4 January 1935, Page 5

LIFE OF CECIL RHODES

FILMING TO PROCEED OBJECTIONS OF GENERAL SMUTS OVERCOME The filming of the life of Cecil Rhodes by British National Films, Ltd., is to proceed, difficulties which it was first thought would prevent this having been overcome. The position of the South African Government and the reasons why the abandonment of the picture was contemplated are explained in the following statement by Mr Michael Balcon, production manager of the Gaumont-British Corporation. "On April 11, 1933, Gaumont-British announced that they intended to produce 'Rhodes,' adapted from Sarah Gertrude Millin's book, which they had acquired, and Mr Geoffrey Barkas left for South Africa. While there he surveyed the territory, made all enquiries and obtained facilities for the making of the production. "Facilities included access to all archives and official documents concerning the period, special facilities to enable the production unit to use the South African railways as a mobile headquarters, and permission to film in and around such places as Groote Schuur and the Houses of Parliament. "Further, the South African Ministers concerned assured Mr Barkas of their approval of the production as a whole. De Beers agreed to co-operate fully in reconstructing scenes of the diamond diggings in Rhodes's day. It was then decided that British National Films, Ltd., who were producing a

series of films for world release through Gaumont-British, should take on the production. Racial Prejudices "While work was proceeding a letter was received from the office of General Hertzog, the Prime Minister of South Africa, indicating that great care should be taken in the production of the film to avoid any incidents which would tend to excite or raise racial prejudices. "As a result, very frank and open discussions took place between British National Films, Ltd., and various authorities, and they came to the conclusion that, in the best interests of everybody concerned, if there was any danger of raising such prejudices, the film should be dropped. It was pointed out to Gaumont-British production executives, however', that a clear line could be taken which would avoid any of the difficulties indicated by the South African authorities. "A meeting took place between the vice-president of the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, Viscount Lee of Fareham, and General Smuts. Lord Lee was able to satisfy General Smuts as to the line it was proposed to take, and as a result Lord Lee has received General Smuts's written assurance that he withdraws his objections and agrees to the film being proceeded with on the lines discussed between them. "It is intended that the matter should now revert to the original position—that the film be proceeded with forthwith by British National Films, Ltd., in association with GaumontBritish Picture Corporation for the latter's world release."

Jock Whitney, an American millionaire, who has rectnuy interested himself in film making, is negotiating with the D'Oyly Carte Company in the hope of securing the rights of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. "H.M.S. Pinafore" is regarded as a particularly promising screen subject.