Film and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 46, 17 November 1928, Page 24

Film and the Stage.

Elsie .Prince did first-rate business for Brisbane charities when she was in that city. At one cabaret she collected £lOO in less than an hour. Local committees for indigent institutions might make a note of this. Miss Prince is now in Sydney appearing in "Good News” at the St. James Theatre.

On the spur of a "get-together” impulse, the “Rio Rita” Company picnicked up the Georges River one Sunday before they liiiisherl their Sydney season, and not even the cyclone that raged round their cars could mar their joie de vivre. Outstanding successes of the day were Charlie Sylber’s little camera, the summer hatting of Harry Burgess (probably borrowed from the St. James property box), and the prize for piscatorial prowess won by Norma Redding, whose haul consisted of one yery small unresisting fish.

The notorious raider, Emden, had a very hectic career during the early months of the world war, before she met her match in the Australian cruiser, H.M.A.S. Sydney, and the resultant thrashing accorded to her is the pictorial climax of that remarkable production, produced with the cooperation of the German Admiralty and Australian Naval Board. The movements of the two cruisers, and the actual engagement off Cocos Islands, has been re-enacted only after considerable research, and the result is an authentic pictorial account of one of the most spectacular incidents of the Great War. The Emden’s career, with her depredations to British shipping amounting to two million pounds, have been outlined in an amazingly dramatic manner, which makes Exploits of the Emden” a great entertainment as well as a faithful record of a historic encounter.

A- city is steeped in crime and two underworld gangs engage in deadly warfare because one band has encroached upon the other’s territory. W'allace Beery and Raymond Hatton are on the trail of the crooks I That is the situation in “Partners in Crime,” the Paramount melodramatic comedy, which opened at the King's Theatre last night. They have sailed the seas, the inimitable Beery and Hatton. They have scaled the Alps, braved the terrors of the trenches, and made the world happier for fire insurance writers, but they have never before been as funny as they are as the nemesis of the underworld. For the first time since they have been starred as team comedians, Beery and Hatton are provided in “Partners in Crime” with a straight melodramatic story. A story teeming in thrills, abounding, in humorous situations and with an interesting love theme woven through it. Beery takes the part of a dud detective and Hatton plays dual roles; those of a wise-cracking newspaper reporter, and of a savage gang leader. The stars do not clown or wear ludicrous costumes in this picture. The story furnishes plenty of laughs through legitimate siuations and Beery and Hatton make the most of the comedy possibilities.

Graham Wilcox, the English producer who made “The Luck of the Navy,” starring Evelyn Laye, and shortly to be seen in New Zealand, is about to make another film. A wellknown story has been chosen, but great secrecy prevails as to the details of the production. The film is intended to be an absolute novelty, and new production methods are being used. Nothing. however, connected witli “Talkies.” stereoscopies, or coloured photography. The fine Nettlefold studios on Walton-on-Tlrames is the location of this production.

An exceptionally large cast of clever screen players were secured by Producer C. C. Burr for the filming of his latest First National picture, “The Wright Idea,” starring Johnny Hines, which is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. This interesting comedy of a young man’s struggles to market his unique invention of an ink possessing luminous qualities, gives Johnny Hines a vehicle in which he can display his versatility in the most laughprovoking situations. The comedian has been getting away from the slap-stick, gag type of comedy, and is introducing new situations which develop from the struggles of everyday folks to get ahead. Louise Lorraine, who was Johnny’s leading woman in “Chinatown Charlie.” again plays opposite the comedian. Edmund Breese appears in the role of a “nut.” Other members of the large cast include Walter James, Fred Kelsey, Henry Hebert, Charles Giblyn, Monte Montague, Henry Barrows, Arthur Millette, Betty Egan, Blanche Craig, George Irving, Charles Gerrard. Richard Maitland, Jack McHugh, Kashi Heraldi, and others. Charles Hines directed.

“Mayfair” has been retitled “The Infamous Lady.” This production, under the joint direction of Geoffrey Barkes and Michael Barringer, will be released by British Dominion Films. Ruby Miller, a truly delightful film actress, who plays the title role, has designed her own dresses to wear in this picture, and they are calculated to awake envy in the. heart of the hardest to please lady movie fan. Arthur Wontner costars with Miss Miller, and the supporting cast includes Walter Tennyson, lan Swinley, and Muriel Angelas.

The latest additions to the cast of the new Edgar Wallace film, “Alias,” include a couple of three-months Great Dane puppies—gawky, angular young animals with very puzzled faces. Their chief ambition, tit the present stage, is not to be film stars, but to consume everything within reach, including any available “props.” They have very important parts to play in the production, but the first of their training will include getting really acquainted with the pretty leading lady’ —Betty Faire, Stewart Rome, well known to film fans, is the leading man in “Alias,” which will be released by British Dominions Films.

Edgley and Dawe, the famous London comedians, who will bring their reorganised “Midnight Frolics” Company’ to New Zealand this year, providing a unique Christmas attraction, are certainly two of the most accomplished and versatile comedians who have evervisited the Dominion. In England theyappeared in every town of note, and were classed as two of the most eccentric fun-makers in the Old Country. As dancers they excel, and they’ served to introduce into New Zealand simultaneous dancing of the most difficult nature. As comedians and pantomimists they hold supreme position, and they have the happy knack of pleasing both young and old, with clean humour of the very- highest standard. Supported by a specially chosen J. C. Williamson company, they- will introduce into the Dominion several novel features which should make their productions a sheerjoy to those—and their name is legion —who love spectacular shows, lilting music, snappy dialogue, unique specialty and dancing of the highest order.

That exceptionally popular combination of merry music-makers, the Charleston Six Jazz Band, has been retained in Auckland to join the George Ward show there in place of the Dave Meredith outfit, which has gone over to Sydney. The Charleston Six is a jazz band par excellence, and is a staunch favourite with the Auckland public.

No picture of recent years has evoked more spontaneous praise from critics than the epical romance of two brothers in love which D. W. Griffith has fashioned for United Artists and which comes to the Strand Theatre on Friday, November 23 with Mary Philbin. Lionel Barrymore. Don Alvarado, Tully Marshall and William Austin in the leading roles. The picture is said to be so far advanced in the realms of sheer beauty and dramatic strength that no comparison can be made with any modern screen production. In this new masterpiece of his, Griffith is said to have achieved the very ultimate in perfection. It is seldom that Griffith grows enthused. Twenty years of bitter struggles in bringing an infant industry to the plane of an art—more reaching and universal even than the graphic arts—has tempered whatever of self-laudation he might have possessed. “The Birth of a Nation,” “Intolerance” and “Broken Blossoms” didn’t burst on a sceptical public in a flurry of meaningless adjectives of praise. Griffith is not given to useless prophecies. 'When he says, as he did concerning “Drums of Love,” —“boys, I think I’ve got it,” the statement carries an implication of pride, that, coming from him, is the best recommendation the picture could get. Many who have seen the production have been unable to express its great dramatic power and poetic treatment in terms of mere words. For the first time, life is vividly portrayed on the screen in all its ramifications. All the joys and the sorrows, the loves and sly amours of mankind are paraded through the medium of a new photography and masterfully woven into a sublime story. “Drums of War” is a picture worth waiting for.

Harry Beaumont will direct “Broadway Melody” for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Tire new story, an original, by Edmund Goulding, is highly dramatic, dealing with life along New York’s great White Way. It will contain dialogue sequences. Bessie Love and Anita Page will play the leading feminine roles, and other selections for the cast will be announced later.

Keen interest has been aroused by the announcement by J. C. Williamson Ltd. that the Vanbrugh-Boucieault Company, headed by the famous artists named, will open the New Zealand tour next January. The Australian season has been one series of wonderful successes, and New Zealanders are naturally waiting with keen anticipation for the presentation of such effective plays as “The Letter,” “All the King’s Horses,” “On Approval,” “The High Road,” “Miss Nell of New Orleans,” and the ever-welcome “The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith.”

Marion Davies, the charming and vivacious star of “The Fair Co-Ed” and “The Patsy,” will shortly be seen at the King’s Theatre in one of the gayest and most sprightly pictures of the year, “The Cardboard Lover,” adapted from the popular French farce. Monte Carlo, with its throngs of beautiful women, its fascinating casinos, and its atmosphere of romance, serves as a background for comedy situations, worked out by the leading comedienne of the screen. Nils Astiier and Jetta Goudal also appear in this story of American College girls, adrift in Monte Carlo.

“The Foreign Legion,” Universal’s screen drama of Northern Africa, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, presents an unusual combinaiton of personalities. Lewis Stone, debonair portrayer of hundreds of virile screen roles, Norman Kerry, romantic hero of many successes, Mary Nolan, an incomparable blonde beauty of the vampire type, and June Marlowe, one of the screen’s sweetest ingenues, all are entangled in an exotic story of blood and iron, of heart and of sex. The result is one of the most gripping films of the year, according to advance reports.

The North Island season of Mr. Anthony Priusep’s Company, at the head of which is the famous London actress, Miss Margaret Bannerman, has ended, and a tour of the .South Island has commenced. Despite most unfavourable weather the audiences have been large, and their enthusiasm unbounded. That Miss Bannerman more than confirmed the good opinions formed when details of her successes in London were cabled out, has been proved by the eulogies of both Press and public. “Wonde ful acting” was the general opinion; ‘‘nothing like it has be n seen in New Zealand for many years.” The company will visit Tiniaru, Dunedin. Invercargill, and Christchurch before returning ’o Austral'; 1

Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle, the co-stars of “Adam and Evil” and “Tea For Three.” have made their third farcical laugh hit for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This picture is called ‘Wickedness Preferred,” and it is now showing at the Queen’s Theatre. Lew Cody plays the role of a popular novelist, Anthony Dare, who writes caveman stories from information gathered from his encyclopaedia, and Aileen Pringle is the novelist’s wide-awake wife. Anthony meets a would-be cave-woman who outwits even Mrs. Dare, with the result that he wanders, and his wife decides on a cure that will be lasting. Aileen Pringle has never appeared to such advantage as in this role. George K. Arthur, mirthprovoking hero of many gales of laughter, appears in “Wickedness Preferred,” as a male gossip, and carried off the role in his own inimitable fashion.

Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer’s spectacular creation, “The Student Prince,” will be seen at the De Luxe Theatre next week. Laid amid vivid reproductions of the actual scenes of the story, with picturesque characters and costumes, majestic castles, and the romantic university of Old Heidleberg, dominating all. the production is gay with student life, and love, but beneath the glamour, there is a pathos and a hint of tragedy which lifts it far above the level of a conventional screen entertainment. Presented with the original music score, “The Student Prince” is assured of an unusual measure of genuine success.

Sir Arthur Pinero’s famous stage play, “Trelawney of the Wells,” which has been brought to the. screen by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, will be seen at the King’s Theatre early next month, lit this picture the piquant, talented star of “His Secretary” and “The Latest from Paris,” Norma Shearer is starred, and she gives' a delightful characterisation, full of whimsical humour and quaint charm. Ralph Forbes, Gwen Lee, and Owen Moore are other favourites who appear in the cast.

John Gilbert and Renee Adoree will shortly be seen at the De Luxe Theatre in a glorious romance of the Russian steppes, “The Cossacks.” Ernest Torrence and Nils Asther have important roles in this thrilling, dramatic, stupendous epic of Russia’s flaming days of military glory.

Alice Day has been chosen as Reginald Denny’s leading woman in his first talking picture, “Red-Hot Speed,” now in preparation at Universal City. Joseph Henaberry is handling the direction of this sound picture, with a cast including, besides Denny and Miss Day, Thomas Ricketts, Fritzi Ridgeway. and Charles Byer.

Casting .continues for various roles in Edna Ferber’s “Show Boat,” even though the production has been under way for several weeks. The latest players to be announced are Grace Gunard, Scotty Mattraw, Joe Mills, and Richard Coleman. Harry Pollard now has this Universal company on location on the Sacramento River in Northern Calit'i nia. The leading roles are played by Laura La Plante, Joseph Schildkraut, Otis Harlan, Alma Rubens, and Emily Fitzroy.

The popularity of Mike Connors and Queenie Paul never wanes. On their return to Wellington they were greeted by an enthusiastic audience that vociferously encored their efforts with all the old zest. Of their company, Syd. Beck is funnier than ever, and the comedy is plentiful and fast-moving. The singing and dancing is well up to the previous standard.

Considerable diversity of opinion exists in New Zealand as to the role in the four plays staged by Miss Margaret Bannerman which can be classed as her best. In New Zealand her interpretations have been: The Maid, in Walter Hackett’s “Other Men’s Wives,” Lady George Grayson in Somerset Maugham’s “Our Betters,” Mado in the English version of “Sexes and Sevens,” and Dora, in “Diplomacy.” In each Miss Bannerman has given faultless representations of the characters named, and the theatregoing public has been divided in opinion as to which could be designated her best role. While the name of the famous actress has been linked with that of the principal character (Lady George Grayson) in “Our Betters,” there are many who ask for nothing better than to see Miss Bannerman as the unusual Maid in the gripping com-edy-drama, “Other Men’s Wives.”

There are many haunting melodies in “The Girl Friend,” the sparklingmusical comedy which has served to introduce Miss Annie Croft (a handsome and blithesome young lady) and the J. C. Williamson Company to New Zealand audiences. With some of these we are already familiar per medium of the gramophone. "The Blue Room” (Annie Croft and Reginald Sharland), "The Girl Friend” (Billie Lockwood and Leo Franklyn), “I’m in Love” (Annie Croft). “Early in the Morning” (Gus Bluett and. Annie Croft), “What’s the Use of Crying” (Annie Croft and Gus Bluett), "I Don’t Want Him” (Annie Croft, Gus Bluett, and Marie Le Varre), “Mountain Greenery” (Annie Croft ami Reginal Sharland), and “Step on the Blues” (Billie Lockwood and company) are some of the musical features of this spectacular dancing production, and they will live long in the memory of those privileged to hear these haunting refrains.

“The Vagabond King.” the latest J. C. Williamson production, has been voted by far the best musical play that has been done in Australia for many a long day. James Liddy. who created such a splendid impression in “The Student Prince,” plays the role of that curious compound of genius and rascality, Francois Villon; and Strella Wilson, boloved of all theatre-goers, plays the Ituding soprano role. It is a happy combtoation, and no better pair of stage lovers could be imagined. As in ' “The Student Prince” the male chorus is a feature of the production, and their “Drinking Song” one of the most invigorating vocal efforts ever heard. The humour of the piece is supplied by that prince of comedians, Arthur Stigant, while another outstanding performance is that of Arthur Greenaway, who plays the difficult role of the superstitious Louis XI to the very life. The east is a very long one. and includes over a score of J. C. M illiamson favourites.

Lois Moran and George O’Brien, Fox Films players, are again in the same picture. Just recently they held down the chief feminine and masculine roles in “Sharpshooters.” Now they are in “The Case of Mary Brown,” originally titled “Fog,” a Charles Francis Coe’s story, produced under the direction of Charles Klein. In the cast are Don Terry, Maria Alba, Earle Fox, and others.

Frank O’Brian, the “broth of a boy.” heading the new London Revue Company which opened to good business in Christchurch, is a master of the art of step-dancing, and his efforts in this direction challenge comparison with the world’s best. As a singing comedian aiid.a comedy dancer, he can have few equals, and his eccentricit. is refreshingly original.

Graham Cutts, producer of the famous “Rat” series, starring Ivor Novello, has rejoined Gainsborough studios, of which firm he was an original director. The new sequel to “The Rat” is now in course of production, under the title, “The Return of the Rat.” Ivor Novello will again play the title role.

In “Wickedness Preferred,” which opened yesterday at the Queen’s Theatre, Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle give the best performance of their co-star-ring career for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, far outdoing their two previous successes, “Adam and Evil” and “Tea for Three.” The new picture is a burlesque of cave-man love —the actual application of that torrid theory—and what happens in the cave when "dreams” have come true for two runaway romanticists should not be missed. The story revolves around the author of highly-coloured island stories—a man who depends on his wife like a babe in all but romance—and his cave-man reputation causes a furore among the ladies second only to the sensation created by his actual arrival at a summer resort hotel, where a particularly romantic young wife mercilessly vamps him. Gossip and the strenuous objections of the husband lead to complications. But the guilty couple decide to sail to a neighbouring isle —and into a typhoon of unforeseen troubles. Cave-life domesticity, in tribulations and thrills make a unique movie., with a. laugh and a scream in every foot. Lew Cody plays the role of the author, while Aileen Pringle is his attractive and eflicient wife. Mary McAllister, George K. Arthur and Bert Roach complete this cast of laughmakers. Hobart Henley, who directed "His Secretary” ami “Tillie the Toiler,” directed “Wickedness Preferred.”

London’s slums have been called the cup that holds the world’s dregs. That would appeal to Emil Janniugs, character star, as a setting for his dramatic talents, and the idea, evolved by him, has been translated into a motion picture called “The Street of Sin.” This new Paramount production, Jaunings’s second in America, a successor to his magnificent success “The Way of All Flesh.” is declared by many to be even more powerful in theme and characterisation. It is now screening with the new double-feature programme at the Regent Theatre. The story is by Josef von Sternberg and Benjamin Glazer, and deals with the life of a huge rowdy, who rules the slums with his fists, portrayed by Jannings.

Ralph Forbes and Dolores Del Rio will shortly be seen in a stupendous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, “The Trail of ’98.” This picture, which is a dynamically thrilling story of the great Klondike gold rush, was adapted from the book of the same name by Robert W. Service. “The Trail of ’9B” tumazes and stuns with its mighty power, but the very grandeur of its grimness is pierced by glints of the rarest humour a kinema camera has ever caught. Karl Dane, Tully Marshall, and Tenen Holtz are responsible for the unforgettable humour; George Cooper typifies treachery, Harry Carey villainy, and there is a cast of players greater ever than the swarms that peopled “Ben Hur.” This mighty epic of the Klondike gold rush will undoubtedly be one of the greatest screen attractions of 1929.

The sublime gift of choking otf a sob with a hearty laugh, in the opinion of Farrell McDonald, is the highest expression of artistic endeavour. In “Riley the Cop,” in which he has the starring role under direction of John Ford, MacDonald makes a swift transition which looks simple. In reality, this rapid change from the depths of sorrow to the heights of mirth, is achieved by hard work and close application.

Allan Priora, the famous Australian tenor, and Ella Shields, well known on the vaudeville stage, have been signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to appear in short Movietone features. It was previously announced that contracts have been signed with such stage favourites as Eva Le Gallienne, Mary Eaton, Oscar Shaw, Frances Williams, George Dewey Washington, Harry Rose, and Odette Myrtil.

Much vituperative, but pleasantly enunciated, Spanish is being heard on the Charles Klein set at Fox studio these days. Maria Alba, the alluring senorita from Madrid, is having (for picture purposes) one of her tantrums. Charles Klein, the director.

and a stickler for realism, requested that the actress give Dr. Simmons, played by Earle Foxe, a thorough, oldfashioned Spanish “bawling out.” How’ Maria succeeds is registered effectively in the faces of the few bystanders who understand her language.

A great romantic screen classic has come to the screen in Frank Borzage’s latest Fox film production, “The River.” This is a poignant and inspiring drama of a boy’s first love, featuring in the romantic theme Mary Duncan as the girl, and Charles Farrell as the boy. Mary Dunean gives a truly inspired performance as Rosalee, the girl who has known many men and who realises a great spiritual awakening in the love of Allan John, the young engineer. In the role of Allen, Farrell again scores another dramatic success. His portrayal is sympathetic and yet conceived with great power that strikes the keynote of sincerity throughout the picture.

As Don Cathos, the tyrant brother, Lionel Barrymore gives one of the most vivid performances of his long stage and screen career in “Drums of Love,” D. W. Griffiths’ masterful romance, which is coming to the Strand Theatre. The role is a particularly difficult one in that Barrymore is compelled to go through his action with a grotesque make-up that transforms him into a huge, almost shapeless hulk of a man. Mary Philbin, Don Alvarado, Tully Marshall, William Austin, and Rosemary Cooper are in the east.

Lilian Rosini has been given the role of tlie gypsy fortune teller in William Haines’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring vehicle, “A Man's Man,” which Janies Cruze is directing. Josephine Dunn, Sam Hardy, Mae Busch, and Bert Roach are included in the cast of this screen version of Patrick Kearney’s famous stage play.

Beautiful Billie Dove has a splendidly dramatic vehicle in “The Night Watch,” a beautifully produced Him which should add considerably to this star’s laurels as an actress as well as a beauty. Full oi suspense, the picture is one succession of thrills, sudden lights in the sea’s blackness, a shot, confusion, as giant dreadnought sinking, and then a brave commander court-martialled for neglect pf duty, and all for the pair of bright eyes that are Miss Dove’s as the fascinating heroine. A good picture that will entertain you, and a thrilling lovely star, whom you will admire.

What has been described after its amazing premiere at the Roxy in New York as the strangest motion picture ever filmed, and soon to be seen by New Zealand audiences, is “The Strange Case of Captain Ramper.” Originally produced in Germany, First National has the release rights locally, and they predict a repetition of its New York success. Particularly appropriate in these days of aviation enthusiasms the plot deals with the wild man who has been lost for years in the terrible wastes of the Arctic, and returns to modern life, unrecognisable in his brutish stupidity and appearance. Mistaken for a peculiar animal he is kept caged, and events move with lightning rapidity and breath-taking thrills when he falls in love with an ultra-modern girl, who strokes him carelessly. Fit for adult audiences only, but without being in the least prurient, the strong plot is one that every man and woman who longs for adventure should see, revealing the endurance of hardships in the land of the midnight sun that are almost unbelievable, and one of the strangest passions surely ever brought to the screen.

In the fourth Emil Jannings picture for Paramount,- “The Patriot,” that actor gives the most dramatic performance of his career. Jannings states that he always strives, not to act his parts, but to live them. In “The Patriot” he is the mad Czar. The part of the war Minister is taken by Lewis Stone. Florence Vidor and Neil Hamilton are also in the cast of this production. “The Patriot” will be released in the near future throughout New Zealand bv Paramount.

The making of an air ’ficture damands the services of the most experienced and skilful pilots. In Paramount’s second air picture, “The Legion of the Condemned,” which will shortly be released in New Zealand, the east of flying men and tlie technical directors of tlie picture served with the air forces of the various countries dnrir- the world war. The producer, 'William 'Wellman, was a member of the Lafayette squadron attached to the British Air Force. In the cast are Captain Sterling Campbell, one of the first five aces of the British Air Force. Lieutenant Rudolph Schtid, a member of the famous flying circus of Baron von Richthofen. Others who saw service are Ted Parsons, for live years with the French Army. Ross Cook. Robert Coudic, Tom Watton, and Al Johnston. Gary Cooper is cofeatured with Fay Wray in this production.