Films and the Stage

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 177, 14 April 1923, Page 17

Films and the Stage

“Judith of Bethulia,” D. W. Griffith’s latest screen masterpiece, is billed for release in New Zealand soon. The picture is declared to be one of the best efforts the producer of “The Birth of a Nation,” “Intolerance,” •'Orphans of the Storm,” “Way Down East,” and many others of equal note, has achieved. Included in- the cast of "Judith of Bethulia” are Lillian and Dorothy Gist and Blanche Sweet.

To parents who are seeking the "highest bidders” for their marriageable daughters, “White Shoulders,” ■tarring Katherine MacDonald, at Everybody’s this week, tells of a young girl whose parents wished her to accept the hand of a man of wealth. The girl had views of her own. and upset the aspirations of her ambitious parents. W

"My Wild Irish Rose,” adapted from’ “The Shaugraun,” a famous stage success, has ■ been transferred to the screen with Pauline Starke and Pat O’Maliy in the leading roles. This story breathes the spirit and atmosphere of old Ireland

In “Lorna Doone,” Maurice Tourneur, creator of “The Last of the Mohicans” and other successful films, has made a fine film. Every care has been taken to keep the atmosphere, setting, and. characters true to the period. In the cast are Erank Keenan, John Bowers, and Madge Bellamy.

"I am Guilty!” a brilliant story of the law and the woman, is to be Louise Glaum’s next picture. Miss Glaum is one of tho most distinguished emotional actresses on the screen, and in this picture she has unlimited scope.

Next week “The Man from Beyond” will be screened at Everybody’s. Houdini, the Handcuff King, who, appeared in New Zealand some years ago, is in the leading role

Said Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Fqnjies-Robertson), the famous emotional actress, in. an interview on acting: “For many years my husband and I starred together in America, and England, without any opportunity of visiting the beautiful sun-drenched lands. When I made up my mind to visit Australia, my husband was very anxious to accompany me, and give * his Shakespearean lectures, which are so popular in England, t Indeed ha tried very hard so cancel his arrangements, but alas! it was not to be; but 1 am still hopeful that before my stay in Australia is concluded he may be able to fix his engagements, and come out, at any rate for- a few weeks, and journey back to England with mo. The beautiful and interesting voyage. I know, will appeal io him so much.”

Mr. Cronin-Wilson, the leading man i- dn.ouc's (.Lady ForbesRobertson) company is rather fond of s ..gainst nimse’f. Here is one: “Every actor worth his salt,” he holds, “should at some time or other during his career have been ‘counted out.’ My experience was when I was acting in ‘The New Magdalen’ at the Theitre Royal, Ryde, Isle of Wight. In this play 1 took the part of a very serious young man. I thought invself exceedingly good, but the audience thought otherwise and refused to accept me as a tragedian. The more melodramatic 1 became, the more they laughed until eventually a gentleman in the gallery requested me to ’Op it,’ which I did!»’

A thrilling chapter from the romantic history of the Northwest Mounted Police is the basis for the story of “Man Trackers,” the Universal photodrama now screening at the Ekctahuna Town Hall. George Larkin, hero of countless serials and feature pictures, and Josephine Hill, a fascinating little blonde, play the leading roles.

Sewell Ford’s irrepressible juvenile creation, “Torchy,” is coming to the screen. Johnny Hines has been chosen to represent this character, and is Torchy to the life.

No matter what the rest of the world may think ‘of “Tess of the Storm Country,” Los Angeles likes Mary Pickford’s latest feature. The picture is to be released in New Zealand in a few' months.

New Zealanders will be interested to hear that one of their own folk plays one of the leading parts in the biggest picture of the year—that is, Enid Bennett, as Maid Marian in “Robin Hood.” No one could have been more suitable for the part of the ethereal-looking, golden-haired lady of that early period. Enid’s sister, Con stance, also plays a part in this pro duction.

One of the features of double-star programme at the Paramount and Artcraft theatres this week is “The Kentuck Derby.” For “The Kentucky Derby” the company Universal' filmed the annual race track classic of the Blue Grass State with all its celebrated splendor and pomp. The story was adapted from that famous stage melodrama, “The Suburban.”

“Missing Husbands,” a much-dis-cussed French drama, is among the big attractions screening in Wellington this week. The feature brings to the screen a new cast of characters, chief of whom is Stacia Napierkowska. famous on the French legitimate stage.

Showing at the Princess Theatre this week is “The Fatal Hour,” adapted by Metro from the stage success by Cecil Raleigh, “The Marriages of Mayfair.” The story opens with the Henley Regatta on the Thames, where a plot i 8 hatched to rob Nigel Villiers, the young heir to a title and estate, of his inheritance, because he snubbed a London burlesque queen. In Switzerland a page is torn from a document, and soon afterwards Nigel is dispossessed and branded as an imposter. Then the climax, a swift hair-raising struggle over a precipice that contributes to unravel the skein of entanglements.

There's a land where the sun shines nearly every day. Where the skies are very blue, Where the folks are as happy as the day is long, And there’s lots of work to do. Where the soft wind blows and the gum tree grows, As far as the eye can see; Where the magpie chaffs and the Kookaburra laughs—• Australia is the land for me. Thejo are the words of Sir Harry Lauder’s latest song, which he composed on the voyage to Australia from San Francisco. When the Sonoma came alongside the wharf at Sydney, the other day, he lined up a cnoir, formed from his company, along the rail, and sang it to the thousands who were waiting to welcome him.

Few know that there is a Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Pit Ponies, and that Sir Harry Lauder is its patron-in-chief. Sir Harry, who is now on his third tour of Australia, has always been concerned regard ng the welfare of these bumble and loyal animals who rarely see the light of day, and in fact, spend most of their lives underground. When the great comedian was a coal-miner earning a few shillings a week, his life , v „ s si.-ed bv tho uncanny apprehen- ! sion displayed by one of these ponies. I v.b>r ’•ns helping to push n truck idong one of the tunno’s when the i.o-cf’ stooped, shivering violently, and refused to go on. The next minute tho drive fell in a few yards ahead and there is no ddubt that the pony s .IntCtX- sivad Laudorh* life.

Betty Compson, who will be remembered for her work in “The Miracle Alan,” appears in her latest picture “Prisoners of Love,” in the role of a girl whose beauty is a danger.

Jack Pickford, brother of Mary Pickford, presents as his latest offering through United Artists, “Garrison’s Finish,” a drama of the turf, described as “the one. big racing story of the year.” The hero is a young jockey upon whose success in the Kentucky Derby hinges the success of his fortunes and his love. Shots at several of the classic American races include the Kentucky Derby at Louisville, the Metropolitan Handicap, and other scenes at San Francisco, Pasedena and Exposition Park. Madge Bellamy plays opposite Mr. Pickford.

Most actors, being human, have their hobbies. The late. Sarah Bernhardt carried a. tiger around till her press agent objected to cutting up raw meat for it. Jack White, of the Allen Doone company collects Australian gems, and possesses some very fine specimens of the Queensland golden sapphire, found only in two places. He speaks feelingly of an extremely rare specmen- — a red—which, through the apathy of local collectors found its way into the German royal collection.

Wc are all familiar with the gentleman in vaudeville who prefaces his turn with the well known “Ladies and gentlemen, with jour kind permission, etc., and then proceeds to sing a well favoured artist’s entire repertoire bv way of an impersonation. Alorry Lynch, Aline Doone’s low comedian (the bailiff of Lucky O’Shea) gives impersonations that arc unique and wonderfully entertaining. His faculty of observation has been so cultivated that he can reproduce one’s manner sms of walk, carriage of tho arms, individual styles of lighting a pipe or cigar, in such a graphic way that friends of the victim have no trouble in identifying the original. At a friendly gathering of well known Wellington journalists recently his efforts at portraying various members of tho fourth estate were provooativa ef great emneeniant.

Warned by her mother that no man is to be trusted, Marcia Ventnor (played by Corinne Griffith) in “It Isn’t Being Done This Season,” had much to learn. In her quest for “usable men” —men who were willing to lavish money on her and put pleasures of the world at her feet, she finds that her mother’s statement is true. To every man and woman who can remember the tales of their childhood, and to every story-loving boy and girl, the announcement that “Robin Hood ’ is to be presented on the, screen will come as welcome news. The picture will be released in New Zealand soon.

Somethihg of a new role has been assigned to Thomas Meighan in “The Man Who Saw To-morrow,” now at Shortt’s Theatre. He plays the part of a wealthy young scientist, explorer and soldier of fortune. Theodore Roberts plays the role of Capt. Morgan Bring, a piratical skipper and trader who deals in contraband- Eva Novak, ■lune Elvidge, Albert Roscoe, Alec Francis, Laurance Wheat, John Milton, Robert Brower, Edward Patrick and Jacquelline Dyris are also in the cast.

A peculiar action was brought against Herbert Rawlinson by Dorothy Clark, who sued the popular screen star for 100,000 dollars for a “shut-eye kiss.” Rawlinson’s first kisses, testified the latter, were harmless, but the “shut-eye kiss” marked the transition of their relations from the frivolous to the serious. The case was settled out of court, and the difference between the “shut-eye kiss” and the ordinary was never described.

A group of artists to fight what they' call “commercialism” and "dwarfing of artistic growth” has been formed. Mary Pickford, Norma Talmadge, Douglas Fairbanks. Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and tL W. Griffith were the signers of an agreement which they termed a “declaration of independence” from “machine-made” films. The declaration sets forth that they deem it necessary at this stage to form an organisation to protect the independent producer and exhibitor against the film combinations.

Benno Moiseiwitsch, the celebrated Russian pianist whose return tour of Australia, commencing in Sydney or Melbourne will occur in a couple of months time, has a gentle way with in tarviewers, as the following story will bear witness. When he was accosted by a sharp New York interviewer the talk turned on interpretation and he was asked: “How do you play Chopin?” “with the soul,” ho politely replied. “Oh, is that so?” declared the interviewer. “And now toll me,” quizzed the other: “how would you play a jazz tune?” “Just with tho fingers” was the prompt reply.

Carmel Myers tells of a neighbour’s child whose worldly education has been received along ultra-modern lines. The other evening she climbed on her mother’s knee and coyly inquired: •'Do you love me, Mumsyr 1 . “Sure, Helen dear,” replied the adoring parent. “Then why doesn’t your chest go up and down like the mama m ’the movies 2”

Cinema films of interest for the forthcoming Empire Exhibition are at present being taken in New Zealand (says the “Hawke’s Bay Herald”)During the past fortnight Mr. Robinson, official photographer of the Government Publicity Department, has been filming operations at Tomoana and Whakatu freezing works, packing fruit at orchards and general life on sheep stations.

“I have promised my 50,000,000 readers that 1 would give them true reproductions of my books upon tne screen,” said Gene Stratton-Porter, the other day in her Los Angelos home. “In my first personally produced picture, 'Michael O’Halloran,’ we Have adhered strictly to the spirit, the theme and the characters of the orrginal story. And I personally selected each actor because, in my mind, he, or she, most closely resembled the character of the book. lie did not look for stars, nor did we seek pretty faces. We tried to find competent actors, who could put the breath, of life into the people of the book.”

Richard Barthelmess, in his latest picture “The Bond Boy,” is seen in the role of a youth who is sold into service to keep his mother out of the poor-house. One of the most thrilling scenes shows the hero being pursued by blood hounds after his escape from prison. Jackie Coogan has just finished, filming “Oliver Twist.” The picture is being received with enthusiasm in. America, and it is expected to arrive in New Zealand late this year.

Charlie Chaplin, in his next offering, “Pay Day,” is seen as a worker whose one object is to sit and wait for pay day, and if he is clever enough, elude his wife when he leaves his work and spend his money. But wifey is shrewd.

“The Shreik of Araby,” a burlesque on a popular romance of the desert sands, is to arrive in New Zealand soon. Ben Turpin, of Mack Sennett fame, is in the leading role. This is ono of the funniest comedies ever filmed.

When Norma Talmadge was in England recently, she was very keen to make a film with a cast composed of many of England’s most famous men and women, who possess most excellent “film faces.” “The Prince,” she declared, “has a charming smile, and an air of confidence, while the irrepressible twinkle that I have seen in Lloyd George’s eyes makes me think of him as a kindly, genial uncle, who could very well play the part of a philanthropic relation. Earl Balfour, with his scholarly distinguished appearance, would make a convincing, kind-heart-ed professor, who would blend admirably with a screen love story. Admiral Beatty I would cast as a strong, silent man of the sea, who protected the weak. And the happy, smiling boxer Bombardier Wells, would be the ideal handsome film hero.”

Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady ForbeeRobertson) tells of an occasion when her j husband endured more physical torture than the play calls for. In the last scene ho is carried off on the shields of soldiers. To keep these shields 'irmly together, two iron bars were passed underneath, through hooks j attached to them, and fto that he might steady himself, Forbes-Robert-son was accustomed to gripping one of the soldier’s hands under cover of a cloak. At one performance, he missed his grasp, and in a thrice found his hand jammed between the bar and the iron shield, his own weight serving to keep that member firmly imprisoned. j At the end of a very painful march lasting some minutes, he showed his wife a very bpiised left hand, and added, humorously—“To dutch. or not to dutch—that is the question.”

The star attraction at the Princess Theatre in Wellington this week i» Betty Compson, who appears in “The Law and the Woman,” based on Clyde Fitch's popular drama, “The Woman in the Case.”

“Omar, the Tent Maker.” one of the biggest films produced in America, should reach New Zealand some time this year. Guy Bates Post, who will be remembered in “The Masquerader,” is cast in the leading role. Tmj cast and production are most elabo rate.

At the Paramount and Artoraft tbeatres this week, under the aesd* of Selected Super-Films, Australia Ltdn there is billed “A Woman in Chains,” It is described as “a love story abso lately free from the eternal triangle. Tile picture was adaptecT from the book “The Madonna in Chains.” The story is laid in Paris and on the Isle of Martinique and concerns the love affairs of a young artist-planter who leaves his sweetheart on the Isle of Romance while he seeks fame in Parisian art circles. In Paris he meets and falls in love with an other who is tne sweetheart of an Apache dancer. Wedded to the Apache sweetheart a child is born and when it is but two years old the mother deserts the husband and child to return to her dancing partner who has but lately been released from jail. Returning to Martinique the srv tist finds his love of yesterday stiff waiting his return chained to her promise to wait for him.’