FILM INDUSTRY IN ENGLAND

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21714, 22 February 1936, Page 13

FILM INDUSTRY IN ENGLAND

FEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITISH ACTORS

I shall be leaving for Hollywood in a few weeks' time, writes Madeleine Carroll in the "Film Weekly." always means a lot to any screen actress. Britain's film industry to-day is more thriving than it has ever been before, and I have been fortunate enough to have played in several of the pictures which have helped • to place British talkies where they are now. But I am not, so short-sighted as to believe that Hollywood has lost any ground whatever. Hollywood films, in fact, continue to improve. Perhaps British rivalry has had something to do with this. Whatever the reason, Hollywood today presents any actress with greater opportunities than ever before—greater opportunities than England is able to offer at the moment.

During the last three years I have made only five films, including the one I am working on nt»w, and one in Hollywood. At the present time, when British films are trying to break into the American market, it is considered that Hollywood reputations are essential.

Though this does not necessarily mean that British players are pushed right out, it does mean that there are fewer films in which they can appear. Hollywood names are wanted for the majority of the big pictures. I am convinced that this is the only reason I have made so few films. It Has certainly not toeen my Sav&t, tox I, .am really only happy when I am working. I cannot help rebelling against inactivity. To much work would never make me stale—too little might.

Hollywood, with its'vast number of productions, is able to keep a player constantly engaged, and is also better equipped to build up names which are unknown to American fllmgoers. Though I flatter myself that one: or two of my pictures have penetrated to American consciousness, I would be the last person in the world to,pretend that I am a big name but there. I am therefore going to Hollywood to acquire world-wide stardom. I honestly feel that by so doing I shall be making myself infinitely more valuable to British films.