Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 22

Films and the Stage.

Jazz bands at present are decidedly in public favour, and no revue company is complete without one. The direct result of the competition thus created is to make for better bands with more novelty in their acts. Vasco’s' ’Varsity Boys, the combination with Fullers’ New London Revue Company now in Christchurch, can survive any test of comparison, and it gives a very novel and entertaining turn.

Who has not been charmed by the lilting music of “The Student Prince” —“Golden Days,” “Deep in My Heart” and the rousing “Students’ Drinking Song.” Never has anything exceeded the wide and instantaneous success of this delightful musical play with its haunting music, vivid glimpses of student life at Old Heidelberg and its tender heart-stirring love story. And now. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s screen version of “The Student Prince” comes to the De Luxe as the co-starring triumph of Ramon Novarro and Norma Shearer, and the supreme directorial achievement of Ernst Lubitsch. Laid in. the old university town of Heidelberg the picture reflects all the glamour, fascination and romance of life among the students. The settings are authentic and breath-taking in their immensity, and form an exquisite background for one of the most beautiful stories ever told—of the hopeless, passionate love of a prince and a peasant girl. Ramon Novarro endows the role of the prince with a brilliance and charm that is peculiarly his own. Never has the star of “Ben Hur” appeared to better advantage. Norma Shearer plays the role of Kathie, and gives a performance that is outstanding in screen annals.

Mr. Bert. Royle, New Zealand ,re-. presentatlvS’for JT’C."Williamson, Ltd. and J. and N. Tait, states that the New Zealand tour of the ‘‘Midnight Frolics” Revue and Pantomime Coy., headed by the celebrated comedians, Edgley and Dawe (who made their first appearance in New Zealand under the auspices of J. C. W.). has now been definitely arranged. Some slight changes in dates were essential, the company opening at Auckland on December 5, and making a comprehensive tour of the provincial districts of the North Island b.i’orc appearing at Wellington Grand Opera House. The company is a particularly strong one. as will be seen from its personnel: Clem Dawe. Eric Edgley, Gregory Ivanoff, Lilian Crisp, Oscar Beck, Gertrude Creamer. William Perryman. Phyllis Amery, Les White. Doris White, and others. There will be a jazz band of twelve performers, and in this connection several musical and dance novelties will be presented for the first time in New Zealand. Complete new presentations will be staged, and the New Zealand tour of this talented company, which will be headed by two brilliant comedians and pantomimists, should be in every way successful.

One of the brightest musical comedies ever seen in New Zealand is how an Auckland correspondent describes the latest J. C. Williamson novelty to be sent over to the Dominion. There is movement in every scene, and the music and dancing are of the brightest. The scenery is of the very highest standard, and the production stands out as something in every way worthy of the splendid traditions of the noted firm. Everything necessary to make the production a notable one is there. Not a detail has been omitted. The cast is more than, a liberal one. It contains the names (among a host of others) of Annie Croft (one of the most charming of musical comedy artists), Reginald Sharland, Leo Fran klyn, Gus Bluett, Winnie Tate, Jack Dunne, May Beatty, James Hughes, Tui Black, Ivy Parker, Les Donaghey, the dancers Helen and Frank.

Montague Love, one of the most capable actors on the screen, is to have the “heavy male lead in Colleen Moore's new vehicle, Synthetic Sin.” He has just completed roles in First National’s great super-special for Corinne Griffith, “The Divine Lady,” also a mystery story, “The Haunted House,” and Richard Barthelmess, “The Noose,” a powerful underworld drama, released in New Zealand a short time ago.

Gainsborough are busier than ever with four big productions in full swing at the same time. A most ambitious film is “The Lady of the Lake,” featuring Percy Marmont and Benita Hume. “Balaclava”—the historical production—promises to be one of the most spectacular of British films. Cyril McLaghlen, Humbertson Wright, and Alf. Goddard have the leading parts in “Balaclava.” Carlyle Blackwell, Madeline Carroll, and Miles Manders are starring in the "Crooked Billet.” Graham Cutts is hard at work on “The Return of the Rat,” starring Ivor Novello and Isobel Jeans. These films are scheduled for, release by British Dominion Films, and are being made with the British acoustic sound process.

George Fitzmaurice, one of the most versatile directors in Hollywood, has contributed another colourful and dramatic picture to the silver screen. This time, Fitzmaurice has gone to the street carnival for his colour and background. The picture is First National’s “The Barker,” adapted from the famous stage success of that name. It is now showing at the King’s Theatre, with Milton Sills in the title role, and Dorothy Mackaill co-starred as Lou, the diving girl in the carnival. In support of these stars, are Betty Compson, Douglas -Fairbanks, George Cooper, Sylvia Ashton, S. S. Simon, and a host of others. Noted for his clever direction of dramatic scenes, and with a distinct flair for getting unusual colour in his pictures. Fitzmaurice has produced in “The Barker” a story of unusual merit, and one that holds interest from start to finish. It deals with the unusual types who follow the carnival trail, and goes behind the glitter and romance of show life, giving an insight into the lives they lead, and the experiences they encounter. Fitzinaurice’s “Dark Angel,” “Night of Love,” “Rose of the Golden West,” and “The Love Mart” are among his most successful pictures. “The Barker” is said to be a very worthy successor to the best that he has done in the past

Excellent screen entertainment is offered in Fox Films, “Road House,” which opened last night at the Queen’s Theatre. It is a colourful, splendidlytold story of modern youth, directed by Richard Rosson. Besides its value as a clean-cut, well-directed motion picture, “Road House” brings two players to the screen. Maria Alba; acclaimed the most beautiful girl in ' Spain. She has marked ability, and promises to make screen history. The other is Warren Burke, who plays the role of the prodigal son. Burke gives an excellent performance, and is a real find in juvenile ranks. Lionel Barrymore is cast as the father of the boy, who sees disgrace fall upon his family and himself through his own indiscretion. In this part, Barrymore, always the artist, gives one of his most human and sympathetic portrayals to the screen. Larry Gruvson, the boy, falls in love with Sally Carroll, the bait of a gang of thieves. Through misunderstandings with his father. Larry leaves home, and goes to Sally. Sally persuades Larry to join the gang, and Larry consents. This new association is halted by the spectacular killing of a road house proprietor, of which the boy is accused. The heights of drama are reached when the father is reconciled with the boy, and stakes everything he has, his family honour and reputation, by standing by his son.

A true artiste, ready to assume any characterisation, and to extract the last atom of comedy from it, Marion Davies has been proclaimed by. exhibitors and audiences alike as the most popular comedienne on the screen to-day. In “Her Cardboard Lover, ’ adapted from the successful stage hit, which is coming to the King’s Theatre next week, the blonde star has a picture worthy of her versatile talents. In this Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, Miss Davies has the role of a member of a collegiate tourist party which visits Monte Carlo. How she meets a chaninion tennis player, and rescues him from the toils of a beautiful and faithless vamp; are recounted in a series of comedy situations .that make this picture one of the best laugh collectors ever produced.

William Wellman, the youthful director of Paramount’s air epic, “Wings,” formed, during the production of that picture, a group of flying cameramen whom he specially trained in the new art. When starting on the second air picture for Paramount, “ The Legion of the Condemned,” which will be released shortly in New Zealand, he sent these men into the air for an average of three hours each day working out new positions and camera an gles which could be used in the actual filming of the picture. Their pilots were aces of both sides who had fought in the Great War and were thus able to stage and manoeuvre their air battles with a realism born of actual experience. Fay Wray and Gary Cooper are co-featured in the production.

The comedians in “The Girl Friend” and “Hit the Deck(” now being played in New Zealand to crowded and delighted houses, are ranked as artists particularly capable in almost humorous role. They are Leo Franklyn and our favourite Gus Bluett, with Les Donaghey and other talented artists also well in the limelight. Leo Franklyn, as Jerry the hotel clerk and detective (the role played by George Gee in the. London production), in “The Girl Friend,” and as Mat in “Hit the Deck,” shows his wonderful talents and versatility, and Gus Bluett as Richard Dennison in “The Girl Friend” and. “Battling Nelson” in “Hit the Deck” has never been seen to better advantage. May Beatty as Mrs. Dennison and as Magnolia in the two great musical comedies also gives us comedy work of the highest order.

Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill ■ have returned to Hollywood after spending six weeks in the Hawaiian Islands filming scenes for their forthcoming First National . production, “Stranded in Paradise,” adapted from Donni Byrne’s novel, “Changeling.” According to Director Fitzmaurice, the Hawaiian hula-hula dancers have evidently all moved to Hollywood, for he failed to find any dancers on the islands who could compare with the Hollywood talent. Billie Dove wears some magnificent clothes in the Parisian setting of “Adoration,” a brilliant and dramatic love story of unusual dramatic values, in which the star is ideally suited to the leading feminine role. Antonio Moreno, plays opposite her.

It would be difficult to imagine a more golden opportunity for the undoubted talents of Norma Shearer than is presented in the Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer screen version of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero’s famous stage play, “Trelawney of the Wells,” which is coming to the King’s Theatre shortly. In the role of “Rose Trelawney,” Miss Shearer offers a delightful characterisation, full of whimsical humour and quaint charm. Never has the star of “The Latest From Paris” and many other appeared more beautiful than she does in the hooped costumes of the ’eighties.

Having surpassed all other Australian records for a long run, “Rio Rita” has been withdrawn from the St. James Theatre, Sydney, and its place has been taken by “Good News.” Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden, and Charlton Morton, who must be qualifying for the title of “The Three Musketeers” of the stage, and a new comedian, Stan Foley, have prominent parts. A ballet of 50 is a great attraction in the new show, which concerns college life, with Jimmy Godden as a football coach.

Camera work on the Fox film, “The Case of Mary Brown,” is completed, and the story is now in the process of editing. “The Case of Mary Brown” features Lois Moran and George O’Brien, and promises revelations in camera wizardry. Maria Alba and Don Terry, youthful Fox Films “finds,” will be seen in the picture in well-acted roles. .Others in the cast include Earle Foxe, Crawford Kent, Fritz Feld. John Kelly, and Robert Homans. The story was written by Charles Francis Coe, the author of “The River Pirate” and “Me, Gangster,” both Fox Films productions.

That Irene Vanbrugh (who is appearing in Frederick Lonsdale’s notable comedy, “On Approval,” at the Comedy Theatre, Melbour ;e), was at one time associated with Charlie Chaplin in a production in London, and appeared with him before Royalty, is known to few o‘ the admirers of the famous actress. This interesting theatrical event tic’: place in 1005 on the occasion of a Royal visit to the Duke of York’s Theatre. Portion of the programme comprised a curtain-raiser, entitled “The Painful Predican at of Sherlock Holmes.” Charlie Chaplin, then 15 years old, appeared as Billy under the name of “Master Charles Chaplin”: Mr. William Gillette, the original creator of the role of Sherlock Holmes, played this part again, and Miss Vanbrugh was Gwendolyn Cobb.

The Fuller firm is once more getting into action in theatre building. Activities in connecton with the building of a new theatre in Christchurch are expected to begin somewhere around December 1. This theatre is to be built along the lines of the St. James Theatre, Auckland, and is to have a seating accommodation for about 2000 ’ people. It will be used for the housing of revue companies, while the new Opera House, only recently reconstructed, will be used exclusively for pictures when the new structure is finished. Louis Wolheim will play a villainous role in Paramount’s picturisation of “The Wolf Song,” which Victor Fleming will direct. Gary Cooper will play the male lead. >

The duet—or perhaps duets, for at least three encores are insisted on nightly—of Mike Connors and Queenie Paul is the feature of every performance of the “League of Notions” Revue. Together they sing the latest popular songs, presenting them in their own inimicable way, and a delighted audience compels recall after recall. It is not generally known that Miss Queenie Paul once won a contest for singing in Sydney, also at the same time a tennis championship,- thus proving her keen interest in out-of-door as well as stage life.

The breaking of a huge ice gorge damming a Canadian river in the spring-time is one of the many spectacular scenes in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s screen version of the famous musical play, “Rose Marie,” which is coming to the De Luxe Theatre shortly. Joan Crawford and James Murray have the featured romantic roles.

The keen powers of observation possessed by Edmund Lowe, Fox Films star, it is believed, led to the solution of one of the most tragic mysteries of the Arctic regions. Four members of the Steffanson party, fleeing over the ice after the sinking of their ship, the Karluk, took refuge on Herald Island and there perished. That was fifteen years ago. Recently members of the Snow expedition returned after finding the remains of the party that died on the snow-covered rocks. The Snow people found no last message from the men who perished. They brought back to civilisation; however, equipment and tools left by the dying men, and it was by a minute examination of these things that Lowe worked out the key to the absence of any written message. Five rust-encrusted pocket knives furnished the clue. Lowe observed that most of the blades had been worked down and the points blunted off, as if by scraping against rock. After pointing out this fact to Snow and his asso : elates, these men decided that the knives were used to scratch some last message on the rocks. Anything written on paper, it was pointed out, would not have lasted through the years of wind and blizzard, but a message scratched in rock would endure for centuries. The blunting of the blades in the knives could be explained by no other means than by Lowe’s theory. When Lowe made this discovery he was being filmed In “Making the Grade.” Fox Films’ production, based on an original story by George Ade, co-featuring Lois Moran and directed by Alfred E. Green.

One of the most interesting factors in the presentation of the British Dominions Films release “Shooting Stars” is the debut of the Hon. Anthony Asquith, as a scenario writer. Mr. Asquith, who is a son of the late Lord Oxford and Lady Oxford (better known as Margot Asquith), has succeeded in bringing to the screen a clever and remarkable Insight of the intimate side of studio life. The construction of the story is said to be admirable and betrays no novice hand. The good-humoured satire which shows celebrated film stars giving Indifferent performances in conventional western drama and dreary slapstick comedy, leads naturally to some extremely dramatic situations. Brian Aherne and Annette Benson share the honours as stars in this unusual film.

It is announced from the Paramount studios in Hollywood that the Paramount screen picturisation of the famous stage play of Anne Nicholls, “Abie’s Irish Rose,” will be seen next year in New Zealand. Should the theatres in the principal cities be sound equipped by that time, New Zealand audiences will also hear the voices of Nancy Carroll and Charles I Rogers in the picture.

Work is almost finished on the production of the all - sound picture, “Interference,” on the Paramount sound stages. A silent version will also be released for showing in those theatres which are not equipped for sound pictures. Clive Brook, William Powell, Evelyn Brent and Doris Kenyon have the principal roles.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s spectacular production, “The Student Prince,” which is now showing at the De Luxe

Theatre, is a milestone in screen presentation. It is a picture that reaches high-water mark in beauty and magnificence —a love romance that is at once fragrant, poignant, and heart stirring. “The Student Prince” follows the original story with absolute fidelity, and Ramon Navarro and Norma Shearer portray the roles of the Prince and the peasant maid who snatch one brief hour of love before their paths are separated by the shadow of a throne. The original beautiful music score is being presented with this picture.

“The Veiled Woman,” an absorbing story of Paris life, will be the first production made by Emett Flynn since his return to the Fox studios, after an absence of about two years. During his earlier association of eight years with Fox Films, Mr. Flynn directed “A Connecticut Yank,” “Monte Cristo,” “The Man who Came Back,” “The Untamed,” and other big hits.

Produced under the supervision of the Admiralty, “The Battles of the Coronel and Falkland • Islands,” now releasing throughout New Zealand,' is technically and historically complete. Though it is a stirring example of acting and photograpy, what pleases the critics most is its splendid impartiality. The Germans won at Coronel; the English won off the Falklands. Both fights, clean, heated encounters between enemies, have no disagreeable element about them, even though it is now a story of erstwhile enemies. Like all great battles, whether on sea or land, it has its human side. After Coronel, Von Spee sailed back to Valparaiso, and there was acclaimed a hero. At a banquet he was presented with a bouquet, when he, with prophetic insight, said: “These will do for my funeral.” It is said to be a great picture, and when recently reviewed at a private screening by the Right Hon. J. G. ■ Coates, Prime Minister, he expressed the opinion that the film was the best he had seen. Released through New Zealand by British Dominions Films Ltd.

Linton Wells, the author of the latest Richard Dix picture for Paramount, “Moran of the Marines,” is one of the most famous of foreign and war correspondents, and he has had an adventurous career in almost every country under the sun. In addition, he holds the record for a trip round the world, having accomplished the journey in 28 days. Wells was with Sun Yat Sen in the first Chinese revolution, and later ■ came to Australia. In 1919 he joined the White Russian army of Kolchak, and narrowly escaped execution when that army was defeated. He arrived in Tokio three days before the disastrous earthquake in which he was seriously injured. He reported on the massacres in Syria, and was the special correspondent at the time of the Riff rebellion in Morocco. His record-break-ing trip was accomplished shortly after, but he had to make three attempts be-, fore he was finally successful. The picture, “Moran of the Marines,” is now in the cutting rooms at Paramount’s Hollywood studios, and will be released in New Zealand early next year.

That Annie Croft the- celebrated musical comedy star at the head of J. C. Williamson’s “The Girl Friend” and “Hit the Deck” company, has walked right into the hearts of the New Zealand people, is proved By the wonderfully enthusiastic reception accorded her wherever she has appeared. The Auckland season was one of the most successful ever recorded in the Queen City, and in the provincial tour the audiences have been most enthusiastic. Miss Croft has delighted her audiences, and Reginald Sharland, Li ..- Franklyn (both from London), Gus Bluett (who scores heavily in both musical comedies), May Beatty. Billie Lockwood, and the immense company supporting, all play their parts in two beautiful, spectacular, and alluring musical comedies. Hawera, Wanga nui, and Palmerston North have expressed their delight at these fastmoving dancing shows, and to-night and on Monday the big combination will appear at Napier, Hastings on Tuesday, after which the company will tour the South Island before the Wellington season opens on Boxing Night.

Louise Dressier’s first starring vehicle picture under contract with Fox Films will be made in Italy, under the direction of John G. Blystone. The latter was to leave Hollywood with his staff, Miss Dressier, and other performers yet to be selected, on November 15 for Rome, Naples, and Venice.

The musical play, “The Vagabond King,” an adaptation of Justin McCarthy’s “If I W-.re King,” J. C. Williamson’s big attraction in Sydney, is described as “a colourful spectacle, such as has never before been seen in Australia.” The appealing love story of “The Vagabond King,” its dramatic climaxes, and general attractiveness, make it one of the most enchanting of operas, and it bids fair to prove one of the most enjoyable and successful entertainments ever provided by the firm. The large cast included such favourites as James Liddy, Strella Wilson, Arthur Stigan* Cecil LJlaway, Mabel Gibson, Lou Vernon, Arthur Greenaway, Pop Cory. Russell Scott, Conrad Charlton, Adele Crane, Mildred Cottell, Eardley Turner, Oscar Lansbury, Eileen Ogden, Arthur Mayes, Edna Moncrieff, Jessica Harcourt, and many other well-known players. There is a chorus of ninety voices. The play is staged by George Highland, the dances are by Minnie Everett, and the musical director is Howard Carr, who has just returned from a lengt'— trip abroad.

At last a college picture with a new, different approach has been produced. At last the intriguing round of college life in the United States has been divorced from all the fanfare and slapstick of former, so-called college pictures, which sickened collegiates and non-collegiates alike. At last Paramount has produced “Varsity,” with Charles (Buddy) Rogers ably handling a difficult lead role and Mary Brian and Chester Conklin furnishing support. “Varsity,” which is showing at the Regent Theatre this week, pictures college life as it is. It is a true and living record which any college man or woman can recognise as such and appreciate. There is none of the win-tbe-ball-game-for-alma-mater type of absurdities woven into its dignified and beautiful theme. “Varsity” is the kind of moving picture Princeton University, one of the oldest and most respected of the institutions of higher learning in the United States, can well afford to sponsor. The scenes for “Varsity” were actually taken on the campus at Princeton University, and were supervised in the making by a committee from the faculty of th<s university. The picture is splendidly conceived, ably directed and competently acted, a true and living portrait of contemporary American college life.

Saturday night, November 17, was the last night at Melbourne Comedy Theatre of Irene Vanbrugh and Lion Boucicault in “On Approval,” and the last night of the season. The company then left for Sydney. It is the intention of Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault to retire from the stage after their present Australian season, and they will make their farewell appearance in Melbourne on their return to Melbourne from New Zealand early in April of next year, and farewell seat sons in Adelaide and Perth will low. It is possible that Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault might return to Australia and New Zealand with a series of plays. Mr. Boucicault’s association with the stage has been a notable one, extending over fifty years “We often hear people comparing the stage of to-day unfavourably with the stage of the past, said Mr. Boucicault “I think that tiie stage is immeasurably better to-day than it was fifty years ago.”

The Universal Company, on location at Atlantic City, producing “The Cohens and Kellys In Atlantic City,” stager a summer girl contest and bathing parade Sunday. This was incorporated in the film itself. The name Of the winner will be announced in a few days. William J. Craft, director of the picture, acted as one of the judges.

Greta Greustadt, Margaret Lee, and Eddy Boland have been added to the cast of “Erik the Great,” the James Creelman story, featuring Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin, under the direction of Paul Fejos.

Marion Davies uses what is considered to be the smallest automobile in the world In scenes for “The Cardboard Lover,” her latest starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The car was designed by Cecil Holland, head make-up artist of the studios, and was built entirely by mechanics on the lot. Miss Davies purchased it to use in hurrying between her dressing room and the However, the’ first time she drove it to work, Director Robert Z. Leonard declared it was just the thing for a scene In the picture, and the car forthwith became a movie prop for a sequence laid in front of Monte Carlo hotel. “The Cardboard Lover” includes Nils Asther, Jetta Goudal, Andres de Segurolu and Pepi Lederer in the cast.

Hector V. Sarno and De Witt Jennings have been cast by director Joseph Henaberry in Reginald Denny’s first talking picture, “Red Hot Speed,” now in production.

The Universal Jewel production, “Phyllis of the Follies,” now showing at the Paramount Theatre, Is an excellent object lesson to those people who take a delight iu interfering in other people’s romances, and it is portrayed in a delightful manner that provides an entertaining two hours for patrons. It is replete with complications, and such that are bound to provoke ripples of merriment. In fact, the story is so well told that one wonders what the eventual outcome will be, and how some almost impossible situations are going to be explained. With a background of wealthy homes and lavish hotels of New York, it provides a lavish feast for the eye, as well as revealing a story that can be recommended for its entertainment value. Alice Day and Matt Moore play the prominent roles, while they are ably supported by Lilyan Tashman and Edmund Burns. Duane Thompson has a small part, that of the last attempt at “breach of promise” that decides the wealthy man about town to swear Off single girls, and to endeavour to be understood by the more sophisticated married woman.

Preparations are under way at Universal City for the production on a large scale of a talking and musical motion picture, “The Minstrel Show.” This story was written by Norman L. Soer and George R. Rogan, and had for its inspiration the career of Banks Winter, one of the oldest living min-strel-men and composer of the song “White Wings.”

Greta Grenstadt, Margaret Lee, and Eddy Boland have been added to the qa'st of “Erik theGreat,” the James Creelman story, featuring Conrad i Veidt and Mary I Philbin, under, the I direction of Paul I Eejos. 1 Hector V. Sarno and De Witt Jennings. have been cast by director Joseph Henaberry in Reginald Denny’S first talking picture, “Red Hot Speed,” now in production.

Some of the heads of the noted theatrical and musical firm of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., which has been responsible for sending to New Zealand many dramatic, comedy, and musical successes, and which will provide the Dominion with Christmas attractions rich and rare. Sir George Tallis and Mr. John Tait (whose portraits appear above) are at present visiting England, the United States, and the Continent, with the object of securing new attract.ons for New Zealand and Australia.

A novelty "talkie” has been completed at Universal City, featuring Bill Bailey, of the vaudeville team of Bailey and Barnum. It is in the form of a vaudeville act, with Bailey introducing such songs as "Rollin’ Along,” “My Mammy,” "June Night,” and “Canteloupe.”