Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 57, 1 December 1923, Page 17

Films and the Stage.

Ethel Clayton in “The Cradle,” a Paramount picture, and “The Man from Home,” featuring James Kirkwood, arc the principal attractions at. the Princess Theatre this week.

The famous London actress, Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes Robertson), supported by a complete English company, is touring the Dominion under the J. C. Williamson direction, and is now appearing in Auckland. Her repertoire includes “Won’an to Woman,” “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife,” “Smilin’ Through,” and “.Enter, Madame.”

Pola Negri’s real name is Apollinia Chaulapey. ■ She was born in llrcmberg, Poland, and has led a most interesting life. She first appeared in stage plays under the,direction of Max Rhineliardt until she was offered a big contract by Paramount. Miss Negri left her nativo land just after the Russian revolution.

A drama of the snow vastnesses of the great North is “Snowblind.” with Pauline Starke and Russell Sitnoson. which will be screened at Eketahuna to-night. This is a story of a young actress who, lost in the snow, is rescued by a fugitive from justice, who has hidden for y;ars tn the land of the “Big Snows.” The girl having lost her sight through snow-blindness, falls in love with a man she has never seen, but whose kindness to her seems to suggest the presence of a being that must Tie as big in stature as he is kind.

It is related that Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, the author of “The Second Mrs Tanqueray,” was so satisfied with Irene Vanbrugh’s interpretation of the name part, that soon after she had made a brilliant debut in the character in London she encountered the urbane dramatist at a certain function, and he immediately referred in warm terms to her acting. He said: “I must really compliment you on your Paula. If I have any complaint it is that you make her so frightfully intelligent* and appealing that one might conclude I was trying to condone her past behaviour. and you know that wouldn’t he British-"

“Trapped in the Air,” now shewing at Shortt’s and Paramount Theatres, tells a story of dramatic adventure in Nature’s own settings. Filmed in the Sierra’s innermost mountain fastnesses, it shows scenes of natural grandeur and beauty that have rarely before on the screen.

“Tiger Rose” is the first Balasco play to be produced. Lcnore Ulric, the actress who gave suck a striking performance as “Kiki” in the stage production, first became famous in her characterisation of Little Rose, the wild cat child of the North-West in “Tiger Rose.”

“The Covered. Wagon” is said to bo one of tho big achievements of the modern screen. It is a, story < f pioneering, and will, therefore, have a special interest to New Zealanders.

“Bella Donna” will be the leading attraction at the King’s Theatre this week. Miss Negri was brought from her native land, under special contract by Paramount, especially to appear in this picture.

“Bella Donna,” which is Icing shewn at the King’s Theatre this week, is an adaption of the world-famous rpiel by Robert Hitcliens.

In “Jealousy” realism is achieved throughout, even to the blowing up of the actual vessel on which many stormy scenes in the story were enacted. The cast is an exceptionally strong one. including Mr. Matheson Lang in u powerful study of a jealous sea captain.

i Mr. Hugh J. Ward has in preparation two elaborate productions. One is the George M. Cohan inusical comedy sensation, “Little Nelly Kelly,” anil the other a gorgeously s|>ectacular pantomime, .“Mother Goose.” “Little Nelly Kelly” will he presented by 1 “’Hie O'Brien Girl” company.

Miss Gertrude Elliott, on her New Zealand tour is supported by Mr. AVilliain Mollison , one of the most versatile actors on tho English stage. Mr. Mollison is the son of tho great trogedian of tho same name, who for so many years was the heavy lead in. Sir Henry Irving’s company.

“Little Johnny Jones” is a. bright, breezy oomeffy of the racecourse, featuring Johnny Hines.

To date, over four hundred applications have been made to J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in Melbourne for inclusion in the chorus of the Melba Grand Opera Company.

Mr. Rex Ingrain, tho American him producer. has recently been in London, and at a. complimentary luncheon given him there, he threw sonic interesting sidelights on the problem of lilm-pro-duetion in America. From a technical point of view, ho said, a stage very near perfection had' been reached. But there was something lacking which made him realise that, without change of environment, he had already given the best that was in him. America was a great country, but for the artist it was still too new. Atmosphere, colour, and romance were missing, and nothing could (replace them. 'I hey could only be round in older countries. It seem ed to him. moreover, that American film-production was entirely dominated bv tho supposed wants of' the public and. the reaction at the box-office window. The instant a new type of film was successful, every producer in the country began to make slavish copies of it. which were usually far inferior to the. model and fell flat. Titles for similar reasons, were frequently chanced. and films were thus sent into ths world handicapped by the most ludicrously inappropriate names. As lor him. he believed that the box-office should' be the artist’s last consideration. since it had been proved over and over again that it was quite impossible to sav in advance what tho public wanted. The public did not know itself. An artist should work to please himself, and if he was sincere lie was sure to win tho appreciation desirec. Ij-’ar too many films were produced, for cnlv about one in every hundred was worth looking at. Among all the films lie had seen, lie could recall no more than six which had made any lasting impression on him. So far as ho was concerned, he felt that if lie succeeded in making one film in a year he. had done good work. He was convinced there was a great future for British film-production. Since ho had been in London he had soon a now film, “Woman to Woman.” which, in Ins opinion, was the best vet. produced anywhere.

Hope Hamilton plays tho leading part in “The Gold Diggcis, the screen version of Av< ry Hopwood’s sucecssltil plav. under Belasco’s direction. “I lie Gold Diggers” is said to be. a laugh from start to finish.

All too often, when it is necessary to present a strongly-marked character, a villain or a fool, American producers follow the way of least resistance. They improvise, as the ease may be, cither a diabolically unscrupulous Chinaman or a monoclcd English man who is simplicity incarnated. This practice, say« an English writer, has frequently led to recriminations on the part of the nationalities thus; held up to obloquy or ridicule. If Mr Hays, who is credited with tho desire to restrain producers in this direction, carries out'his intention, the Californian film manufacturer will find his task considerably complicated. As the “New York Times” puts it, be may discover, like tho editor of a certain American magazine, that tho only safe villain is an American atheist. British producers have not yet given serious offence in this resjxsct, but then, they have not. as their American colleareies been subjected to tho strain of turning out films by the thousand.

English papers received this week state that the last weeks of "The Beggui s Opera" at the Lurie Theatre,

Hammersmith, arc announce ed. Mr. A. /P. Horne, business manager of the theatre where the play has been running for three and a half rears, said that the last night will almost certainly be before Christmas. Written by Mr. Cay, with music selected from the- popular airs of the early 18th century, -‘The Beggar’s Opera” was first produced at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in 1728. Us present revival nt Hammersmith was o n June 5, 1920. Considerably more than half a million people have attended the opera during tho revival. One man (says' tho “Daily Mail”) has seen it 250 times, and several people from 1.50 to 200 times. Some have been to the theatre —mostly sitting in the same scats —regularly once or twice a week for months. The management already have fully two hundred applications for seats for the last performance, whenever that may take place. In its present revival the opera will reach its 1396th performance on October 17. The only runs that can beat this were made by “Chu Chin Chow" ,2238 performances) and “Charley’s Aunt” (1466).

“The Strangers’ Banquet,” a striking novel of a great shipyard written by Domi Byrne, has come to the screen and will be scon at Shortt’s and the Paramount Theatres during the coming week. It has been filmed by Marshall Neliau, iu association with Goldwyn Pictures Corporation. The use of an entire shipyard was obtained lor filming the exteriors. .Producer, his actors. and hundreds of the workmen at tlm yards made use of them, after working hours, lor weeks.

It is said there is not a single faked punch in the hand-to-hand fight in ■'Tlio Man With Two Mothers.”

“The Beggar’s Opera,” which, will bo produced by J. C. Williamson at the Grand Opera House to-night, although 200 years old, has never yet lievn a failure, wherever it has appeared. Its present run in London is in the fourth year. Playgoers her<». While being able to enjoy one of the merriest entertainments ever submitted to them, will, it is promised. receive a rare ipsight inlo tno life of England 200 years ago, for as the Beggar himself says: “There is not an honourable or honest man or woman in the play.’’ Tho play goes along, tongue in cheek, with simpgrings, struttings, postures aping (he artificial play-acting of tho period, with dialogue well nigh unprintable t°* day, and the most astounding villainies ci verse, set to tunes that will live tor ever. These tuiu-s, largely the London street music of tho time, are delightful. Prim and precise, suggestive ot hymns more than anything else, ‘lifv provide a piquant contrast to the rascalities they clothe. The leading members of the east are: Macheath <Mr. Hilton Osborne). Polly PeachtllU 'Miss Pauline Bindlev). Peachum (Mr. Beg. Roberts),-the Beggar (Mr. Harry Schofield), liockit (Mr. Geo. Willoughby). Airs. Trachum (Miss Lily Malyon) Lucy Lockit (Miss Beryl Walkley).

Chaplin, in new guise and strange difficulties, in "The Pilgrim”—his greatest comedy.

One of the clauses in the contract which transferred the film rights of “The Virginian” to Preferred Pictures, Ltd., was that all the prints of the eight-year-old original production with Dustin Farmin’! as the hero, should be called in and destroyed. So, as soon as these were collected, an impressive bonfire was made of them, whilst the former owners and the present owners of the copyright looked on. A hundred thousand dollars’ worth of celluloid was consumed in a very little while.

Melbourne theatregoers are said to be delighted at the artistry of their idol Dorothy Brunton as revealed in "Tons of Money,” the lively Hugh J. Ward farce. Miss Brunton’s trip abroad has put a bright finish on her work without in any way dimming her fascinating individuality. She expresses so piquantly the urgent vivacity of youth and the carnival spirit of farce comedy that one and all revel in her gracious charm. As the delightfully irresponsible French bride in “Tons of Money,” whose amazing “brain waves” lead to the most diverting situations imaginable, she is said to be bewitching. .Tho last English mail brought rows of further successes achieved by Maggie Dickinson mid Sydney Culver. They wore at latest starring i nder the management of Moss’ Empires, ltd., at flic Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, in a dance revue, entitled “A Whirl of Girls.” At Everybody’s this week is “The Highest Bidder.” a. story of the great lovo that comes but once to every man. but which some men are too blind to see. br too stubborn to follow. “Tho Highest Bidder” was made from Maximilian Foster’s latest novel, “The Trap.” Lionel Atwill plays the part of fho millionaire who camo near losing- tho girl he loved because of hif money.

I’. G. Wodehouse’s “A Gentleman of Leisure” has been filmed, arid will be screened at the King's Theatre next week. It is said to bo a live comedy-drama. Jack Holt plays lead. Miss Dorothy Brunton is to be principal girl in “Mother Goose,” tho pantomine which Mr. Hugh J. Ward is to stage at the New Palace Theatre, Melbourne, at Christmas. John Barrymore is to play the leading part in “Beau Brummel.” Alary Astor will play opposite Barrymore, tk and Irene Rich will appear as the j.% Duchess of York.

The. company supporting Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes Robertson) on her New Zealand tour includes William Mollison, Mayne Lynton, Lilias Waldergrave, Anno McEwen, Athcl Forde, Herbert Milliard, Milton Brooks, Gertrude Boswell, T. bl. Oliil, and -I. B. Rowe, many of whom aro artists with English reputations.

All through the sunny summer days experts have been busy nt tho London Zoological Gardens making moving pictures of absorbing—that is tho word — absorbing interest. The title of the series is “Dinner-time at the Zoo.” The wo>-k has just concluded (says the “Daily Mail”), and among the brightest incidents photographed is the lioness. Fatima, securing the lion’s share, and her own as well. The part of the lion is played by Abdullah, her mate. Among the table manners recorded is the ingenious device used by tho pelican when under high pressure. Tho final fish has to be helped down by scraping the neck against the rockwork around the pond. An orange was placed within the beak of the. ostrich but that, was not the last of it. The film shows tho fruit on its waydown the neck for another two or three feet. Tho swiftest feeder is the giant toad—time, 1-CiOt-b of a second! (slow- ‘ motion film gives ’250 pictures a seoi ond ; tongue visible in four only). The heartiest luncher is the laughing hyena. AVith two snaps he divided a two-foot rib-bone into three pieces. Three gulps, and no chews, followed. All the time his happy chuckles sent cold shivers down the spine of the camera operator. There is a close-up of this incident. The sea lions and the chimpanzees, after their kind, and the elephant and the chameleon, all fed before the camera. George, the senior iillmator. was also filmed I his toipid log”of wood undergoes a miraculous transformation when offered a large joint. The great .entile makes a pig of himself-

Most people will recollect the sensational murder case in which John Lee was found guilty, although Im pleaded innocent. Three times the scaffold failed to work, and Lee was taken baek'to prison l-o serve a life sentence. This remarkable stoiy is now presented in picture form, under the title of “The Life Story of John Lee," or “The Man They Guild Not Hang,” and is due for release in Wellington shortly.

Few could have better claims to Um title of cosmopolitan than Miss Gertrude Elliott, the celebrated actress, who was born in America, of Irish parents, was brought up in England, and married a famous Scot, Sir Johnston Forbes Robertson, who is the acknowledged head of the English stage. She has won the applause of every large ■ity iu Great Britain, Europe, America, Canada, and South Africa, mainly as the .star of her own drainatio company, but- often in association with her distinguished linsmi<d.

Bush Hughes, the son of Rupert Hughes, the well-known novelist and scenario writer, persuaded his father to give him a part in “The AVallflower.”

Linn Smith’s Royal Jazz Band are in firm favour with patrons of His Majesty’s Theatre. During the coming week they will submit a fresh selection of the latest successes.

“The Darling of the Rich” is a title, which suggests the story. Betty Blythe plays the part of the girl who has all the advantages and disadvantages of wealth.

“TeR-rGtiqn” is said to be a snappy story -M ?. man about town, a frivolous wife. i foolish husband, and an attractive young woman.

Due for release in New Zealand shortly is “Brass.” with Monte Blue, Marie Prevost, Harry Myers, Alias Du Pont, Helen Ferguson, Irene Rich, and Frank Keenan. “Out of the Dust” is a clean, outdoor picture of early prairie life. The picture is well presented, and the early scenes of life at Fort Sheridan, where the army post was a mere barricade, and the Indians roamed the plains, are unusually interesting. ] Following “Main Street” Sinclair ( Lewis’s widely-read novel, “Babbit,” i« j to be screened. Mae Marsh returns to the screen after an absence of two years, in a film version of Gertrude Page’s celebrated novel, and stage play of the same name, “Paddy : the-Next-Best Thing.” The picture will be seen in AVellington scon. “Woman to Woman,” the opening production of Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Force's Robertson) and her English company, who are opening in Wellington soon, is a somewhat conventional drama is so far as it deals with a problem of married life that has formed the topic of many a heated controversy. The film version of Balfe's romantic opera, “The Bohemian Girl,” will be screened at the Empress this week. It is undoubtedly a fine British production, with a caste of celebritie* wlrfch incudes Gladys Cooper, Jyor Novello, Ellen Terry, Constance Collier, and Aubrey Smith. A special musical score and prologue have been arranged.

“The Lure of Egypt,” a thrilling and mysterious photodrama based, on Norma Lorimer’s novel, “There Was a Kiim in Egypt,” is showing at the Queen’s Theatre. It is a modern story of Cairo, the exotic, bizarre capital of Egypt, and of the Libyan, and Thelfian deserts, where ruins of cities that existed thousands of years ago are buried under the sand. Against this colourful and exotic background. is enacted a charming romance that involves an archaeologist and his lovely daughter, an artist, a Balkan prince, and an adventuress.

A veteran fire horse plunging through a seething wall oi flame with a rider on its back is the vivid climax in “Tho Third Alarm.” •