BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21534, 25 July 1935, Page 11

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SURROUNDINGS

A RAINBOW OVER HOLLYWOOD Mickey Mouse Appears in Coloured Film Although the first coloured moving picture was shown as long as 40 years ago, it was not until recent years that colour processes were sufficiently improved to enable the production of films in colour on a commercial basis. Hollywood has now given qualified approval to this new type of picture,, and the fact that every major studio in southern California is either beginning to work with colour, or has a colour featuro planned, seems ample evidence of the statement that there is a "Rainbow over H'oliywood." Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, was early impressed with the possibilities of coloured picture?, and some of his animated cartoons, notably "The Three Little Pigs" and "Flowers and Trees" have been made in technicolour processes and, when exhibited, met with instant success. Now Mickey Mouse has joined Mr Disney's colour parade in "The Band Concert'," which will begin a season at the Avon Theatre to-morrow. After two small black and whites have been finished, the Disney studios plan to produce everything in colour. At the moment the three-colour process developed by Technicolour is arousing the keenest interest in Hollywood. In 1914 Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, an American engineer, founded a company to study and develop colour reproduction on the screen. Technicolour made its first motion picture in colour in 1921. It was not a commercial success but the research workers continued their efforts. About 1929, when Dr. Kalmus and his associates were still using only two colours, there was a sudden demand for colour pictures. Producers rushed to Technicolour with their orders. The company had insufficient facilities for handling the rush and the work produced did not have the quality demanded by the trade. The popularity of coloured pictures waned and the technicolour research workers went back to their laboratories. Two years later Dr. Kalmus brought forth a greatly improved profess, employing three colours, and it is this method that to-day seems destined to pigment much of the world's film screen. The improved technicolour, besides adding blue to its green and red vision, lias the additional quality of clear images that are far easier on the eyes than were former pictures. While this research was going on there was a newcomer in the rallies tot producers, Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, and a young man accustomed to defying precedent in motion pictures. With the big producers Mr Disney saw the new technicolour. Like them he was interested in its possibilities; but, unlike them he was confident enough to try it. After suitable arrangements had been made* the Disney studios brought forth their first Silly Symphony in the new process, calling it "Flowers and Trees." Mr Disney v/as foresighted enough to acquire a year of exclusive rights to make animated cartoons in technicolour. After the Success of "The Three Little Pigs" other producers wanted to make coloured cartoons. Technicolour could not allow the use of the new process, bat an arrangement was completed under which other cartoons could be made in the old two-colour process. Mr Disney's license will expire in August of this year. • a , r „ Another young man with faith in the future of technicolour is Mr John Hay Whitney, of New York, who is reputed to have a considerable private fortune. 'His faith has shown itself through the acquisition of technicolour shares and later by flhe organisation of Pioneer Picaues Inc. This organisation is the producer of the first all-colour feature in the new process. Plans have been made to produce nine full-length colour pictures during 1935, 1936 and 1937. It Is estimated that the picture will cost Pioneer Pictures 800,000 dollars, but the company expects to make profits. For a trial the studio sent out In full colour "La Cucaracha," which is reported to have returned the largest gross earnings of any short subject ever released, not excepting picturegoers will have the opportunity of judging the new process again when "The Band Concert" begins to-morrow. Mickey Mouse, a universal favourite with adults and children, will make his first coloured appearance in Christchurch. When the popularity of The •T^ r , Little Pigs" is recalled, a tremendous success for Mickey may safely oe prophesied.

BRIGHTER COLOURS IN THE HOME Attractive and Modern Furnishings Spring is the season of the year when many householders undertake the refurnishing or redecorating of some of their rooms. At present there is a marked trend for colourful furnishings which make the boms brighter and more pleasant. Furnishing houses are, of course, meeting this trend, and one of the-city's most progressive firms, Messrs Archbold Bros., Ltd., is at present offering a pleasing selection of floor coverings in*, bright hues, cheerful colours on upholstered chairs and suites, and gaily enamelled bedroom suites. ' Modern furniture has recently been growing in popularity until now, according to interior decorators, it is definitely in the lead. Moreover, it is now acquiring a definite charm of its own, and so many styles are available that the piost widely divergent tastes. can be. satisfied. Textured materials, with an abundance of silk, a preference for wins colours, with dark walls and gay ceilings, are now making their appearance in many modern homes, creating an effect both pleasing and restful. There is a .refreshing abundance of stimulating ideas for. new - decorations this year. Decorators have never been so fertile in tempting schemes, nor shops so interesting. The classic modern style, a cheerful blend of new and bid, still appears to have most followers. Pure modern is outgrowing the gas-pipe stage and is acquiring charm in colour and a feeling of elegance. Then there is the type of householder who favours, feminine elegance—bows, ruffles, and curves, who is also adequately catered for. Rich colours lead in spring decoration. Green perhaps comes followed by brown, fawn, wine, and roses White persists but is now's; combined with vivid accents. Yellow is everywhere in abundance, and sir. decorators prophesy that pink will be popular. Blue also is important** a dark bright blue. Dark walls are increasingly popular—brown, plum, elephant grey, navy, and green. New coldur combinations forecast for the summer are flame, brown, and white; brown with silver and pink: L' K olive green chartreuse and yellow; plum with pmk;?grey, brown, and yellow; pink, red, black, and silver; aubergine and yellow.. . , In wallpapers, classic designs, simplified and modernised, are the ' most popular. Big patterns are fashionable. Colours are clearer and brighter, with more contrast between pattern and background. Many""! papers are in two colours, and dark backgrounds are plentiful There is a tendency for light clear yellow to replace chartreuse, and much use is being made of metal colours, such as gold, silver, and bronze. Burnt : orange in a novel colour and bright green with white give a very smart appearance. Many of the new papers are washable and fast to light. The forecast for fabrics mentions new colours, modern versions of period designs, floral patterns, the revival of stripes, texture, and the ~rrgrowing use of luxurious silks. Classic-modern patterns will probably, be the most popular. Designs will be bolder, and colours clear and L strong. Green, bright blue, Empire yellow, mulberry, brown, and a new szv-orange-red predominate over pastel shades'in" chintzes. *•: Casement curtains will be of nets, open-mesh cottony or chiffon- , like rayon fabrics, which are available in' a wide selection of colours," and charming organdies, some in colourful stripes. Novelty weaves in " plaids, checks, and stripes are featured for slip covers. Chairs, whether period or contemporary, will be greatly improved when covered in one ? of the modern fabrics showing plenty of texture and colour. For floor coverings texture is all important in the new rugs and 1 '> carpets. It gives a shaggy effect. Solid colour rugs grow in popularity, ' and the new carpets are a triumph in colour. Modern designs predominate. Brighter hues are also a feature of the new linoleums for the kitchen or bathroom. These are available in either plain or mottled styles or modern tiled effects in bright colours. Messrs Archbold Bros., Ltd., have a wide range of colourful furnish- r* ings with which to brighten the home, and the most fastidious decorators will find something to suit every taste.