Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 81, 29 December 1928, Page 16

Films and the Stage.

Brooks Benedict and Eleanor j Leslie have been added to the cast of “Clear Jhe Deck,” Reginald Denny’s current talking picture at Universal City. “Clear the Deck” is an adaptation by Earl Snell and Gladj'S Lehman of E. J. Rath’s novel, “When the Devil Was Sick.” Those already announced by Joseph Henaberry, who is directing, are Olive Hasbrouck, Lucien Littlefield, Otis Harlan, Colette Merton, and Robert Anderson.

Against the colourful historic background of Old California, Tim McCoy, in “Beyond the Sierras,” his latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring success, shortly to be seen at the Regent Theatre, dashes through a romantically thrilling story with the flashing blade and flercy heart of the cavalier. The spectacular duelling scenes provide the climax to the gripping narrative of California in the days of the proud Spanish dons, and again emphasises McCoy’s amazing versatility. His acting in the great moments of drama, as well as in the tender love scenes, show him a master of characterisation. Sylvia Beecher, Roy D’Arcy, and Polly Moran also appear in strong supporting roles.

In order to film.''the arrival in America of the Graf Zeppelin after its Atlantic flight, four Paramount cameramen were assigned ft> the Lakehurst hangar, with two aeroplanes in readiness. Six others, were stationed at strategic points -round New York, with two eaplanes- and one amphibian also in readiness. When the Zeppelin was reported in distress off Bermuda, radios to a branch office had a cameraman with a fast ’plane on the Atlanta aerodrome in less than three-quarters of an hour, ready to strike for either Charleston or Florida in case of disaster to the Zeppelin. Eventually the dirigible was picked up at Washington, and was followed thence to New York. The Washington motion pictures actually reached New York before the airship. They were then rushed to the laboratories, developed; printed and released for screening.

■ All the way from Culver City to the mountain fastness of Lake Tahoe for a single sequence. This new record in film enterprise was established by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in filming “Beau Broadway,” soon to be screened at the Regent Theatre, as the new Lew Cody-Aileen Pringle co-starring picture. Although accustomed to the warm sunshine of .Southern California, the CodyPringle company went right to work in the blizzard and obtained the remarkable snow scenes that are to be seen in “Beau Broadway.” In the cast with Cody and Miss Pringle are Sue Carol, 1928 Wampas Baby star; Hugh Trevor, Heinie Conklin, Janies J. Jeffries, former world’s champion; Kit Guard, and Jack Herrick.

Filmed In Canada and in the Yosemite Valley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s lavish screen version of “Rose Marie,” which is now showing at the Regent Theatre, is most unusual, and thrilling screen entertainment. Again Rose Marie is seen lightly regarding all offers of love, until a boat tilled with outlaws comes with the spring, along with 250 other trappers, and she accepts the assurance of one of them that he is an honest man. Again and again she hides him. Again and again she helps him. Relentlessly the police hunt him. And so the thrilling and dramatic story of' their beautiful romance is told—against the most magnificent backgrounds ever seen on the screen. Headed by pretty Joan Crawford, the brilliant cast includes Joan Crawford, James Murray, House Peters, Polly Moran, Lionel Belmore, Creighton Hale and Harry Gribbon.

Benny Rubin, a California sensation as a master of ceremonies at theatre openings and on the vaudeville circuits, has been signed on by Universal for its Movietone productions. His particular and immediate province will be to act as master of ceremonies, gag man and principal comedian in the short subject schedule which Universal is mapping out, and will announce in a very short time.

Lovers of motion pictures who want to see. more really human, artistic and inspiring achievements on the screen, have an , unforgettable experience in store for them at the Regent Theatre shortly, when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “The Enemy,” directed by Fred Niblo, and starring Lilian Gish, with Ralph Forbes will be shown. This is a super special production, classed as the greatest anti-war story ever written, crammed full of those emotions that go deep' down into every human soul, dramatic, humorous, romantic, and said to be the most realistic motion picture in the history of the screen.

The gay hilarity of a cabaret was duplicated during the filming of “Skirts,” Syd. Chaplin’s latest starring production, released through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which will be seen shkortly at the Regent Theatre. Almost the entire cast had to take part’ in the action, which takes place in the cabaret. So spontaneous was the hilarity of the actors in these scenes that one venturing on the set would think that they were actually “whooping it up” of their own free will and having a glorious time doing it. Mr. Chaplin is supported in this film by Betty Balfour, one of the best known of the English comediennes; Nancy Rigg, and Annie Esmond.

The Christmas attraction at Fullers’ Princess Theatre, Dunedin, is Pat Hanna and his famous Digger combination, a company which played Dunedin some four’ years ago at the time of the Dunedin Exhibition. During their long career of about fourteen consecutive years, the Diggers played an Australian record season of eighteen months at Fullers’ Theatre, Cremorne, Brisbane, and have appeared with corresponding success in all the biggest theatres in the Commonwealth. i ■'

A splendid itinerary for New Zealand has been mapped out by Mr. Bert Royle, New Zealand representative of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and J. and N. Tait, for' the Vanbrugh-Boucicault Company, Which commences its New Zealand tour this month. These worldfamous artists, supported by a particularly strong company, will open the New Zealand season at Auckland on January ; 14 and will hold ■ the boards at. His Majesty’s until February 2. Hamilton will be played on February 4, Wanganui February 5 and 6, Hawera February 7. New Plymouth February 8 and 9, Palmerston North February 11 and 12, Hastings February 13 and 14. Napier February 15 and 16, Dannevirke February 18, Masterton February 19, Wellington February 20 to March 9, Timaru March 12 and 13, Invercargill March 14 and 15, Dunedin March 16 to 27, and Christchurch March 28 to April 10. , As this will be the final appearance in New Zealand of two of the most accomplished artists who have ever appeared on the English stage, the New Zealand farewell season should indeed be a memorable one.

Featured on a programme presented by the League of Notions Revue Company at His Majesty’s Theatre last week, was a song called "Longing,” sung by Miss Queenie Paul with the assistance of the boys and girls of the league. This very pretty little number was specially written for Miss Paul by a Christchurch admirer, Miss Helen Murdock, and it has since become very popular here. Miss Paul made a clever and dainty work of the presentation of this song, and was compelled to give at least two encores nightly.

In the old days of motion picture production Harold Lloytl used to turn out one of his “Lonsome Luke” comedies each week. At the present time he is making one or two pictures a year, but they are very different from the somewhat crude attempts of the early producers. The rate of one picture a year, however, is not a general one, and holds good only in the ease of a few stars. Richard Dix, Clara Bow, Bebe Daniels, Esther Ralston, George Bancroft, Adolphe Menjou and Charles Rogers will each appear in four or five Paramount pictures each year. The schedule of work is carefully planned twelve months in advance, and their stories are selected so that there will be the greatest possible variety of plot and characterisation. A picture such as Adolphe Menjou's “His Private Life,” recently completed at the Paramount studios, takes about three months to make. Much more time is spent on the production of big pictures such ns “Wings” and “The Wedding March.” The latter took von Stroheim two years to complete at the Paramount studios, and will be released next year in New Zealand as a sound synchronised production.

Eleanor Boardman, who appeared opposite John Gilbert in "Bardelys, the Magnificent,” and opposite Charles Ray in "The Auction Block,” has the featured feminine role in “The Crowd,” King Vidor's latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, shortly to be seen at the Regent Theatre. The story is an original by the director and depicts the lives of millions of young cdnpl’ss who help to make up the great masses. James Murray, former extra man, who sprang into the limelight, a few months ago with the announcement that Vidor would entrust him with the male leaci of a great production, has the featured male role. The two are supported by a large cast of well-known picture 1 players.

What was generally regarded as an Impossible achievement was recently accomplished by. Mr. Allan Wilkie and his Shakespearean Company when they appeared for six months continuously in Sydney, during which no fewer than nineteen of Shakespeare's thirty-seven plays were performed. The final night of the season was marked by unbounded enthusiasm, when Mr. Wilkie was the recipient of illuminated .addresses and eulogistic tributes from the Shakespearean Society of New South Wales and several municipalities. His Excellency the Governor-General and suite attended no fewer than seventeen performances. During the Wellington season, which commences at the Grand Opera House on January 26, Mr. Wilkie will again be supported by Miss Hunter-Watts, Miss Lorna Forbes, Mr. Dennis Barry, who figured so successfully during previous visits to the Dominion as Puck in “The Midsummer Night’s Dream,” as Romeo, Orlando, etc.; Mr. William Lockhart, Mr. Arthur Keane, Miss Dulcie Cherry, Mr. Milton .Sands, and others. Newcomers will include Mr. Alexander Marsh, a distinguished Shakespearean actor from England, and Miss Hilda Scurr, a promising young actress who comes from Dunedin.

Mr. Bert Lee, the clever comedian now at Fullers’ Opera House, Christchurch, has a breezy style and a good voice to assist him. Mr. Lee gives authors and song-writers due credit in the making of performers, and points out the difficulty experienced by young comedians in getting hold of good material, as successful song-writers always wish their best numbers to be advertised by the medium of already successful performers.

The lively-J. C. Williamson musical comedy, “The Girl Friend,” now at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, has had a most successful tour of New Zealand. This spectacular musical attraction is produced by Frederick .Blackman, who introduced us to “Madame Pompadour,” and gave us our first glimpses of Annie 'Croft, Reginald Sharland and Leo Franklyn, who have become great favourites with the theatre-going public. In the cast also are Gus Bluett, who has made a great success-of the part of Richard Dennison; Billie Lockwood, wh» has made a great hit as Jeannie, the telephone girl; the lively Marie Lavarre, beautiful ballet chorus, Ivy Parker, Leslie Donaghey, Winnie Tate, and many other J. C. Williamson favourites. The most popular musical numbers in this entrancing musical comedy include “The Blue Room,” “The Giri Friend,” “What’s the Use of Talking,” “I’m in Love,” and “Mountain Greenery.”

Thrilling, dramatic, exciting and romantic, is “The Cossacks,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s spectacular Russian drama starring John Gilbert and Renee Adoree, which will shortly be seen at the De Luxe Theatre. It is. a vivid picture of the steppes, with a troupe of Cossacks imported from Europe, Ernest Torrence, and a notable cast directed by George Hill.

One of the most novel and effective means of popularising Australian fruit and canned products was put into operation in London recently during the showing of the Paramount British release, “Huntingtower,” starring Sir Harry Lauder. Immense window displays of Australian goods advertised the fact that sample packages of fruit and tinned goods would be distributed to all persons purchasing tickets to see the British produced Paramount picture, “Huntingtower.” As a result, the Australian Preference League in London, whiph stood behind the idea, reported a big increase in the sales of their Australian stock.

Some short timc.qgo, tenders were called for the erection of the new Majestic Theatre in Christchurch, which is being built for John Fuller and SonS, Limited, and Messrs. P. Graham and Son have been given the contract. The work is being started straight away, and the building is to be completed in about six and a half months. The estimated cost is in the vicinity of £60.000. Messrs. S. and A. Luttr.ell are the architects. .

Haunting the dark coves of lower Manhattan, slipping by way of the river in and out of the huge warehouses that line the waterfront, taking rope and ship materials, and selling it to skippers of outgoing ships—that is the life of “The River Pirate,” as told on the screen in the language of the criminal, in the Fox Film production of that name, based on the story by Charles Francis Coe. “The River Pirate,” as directed by William K. Howard, is a revelation of the new side of criminal activity, and wins new honours for Victor McLaglen, of “What Price Glory” fame, in the title role. Lois Moran and Nick Stuart have the .- leading romantic roles, with Earle Fox and Donald Crisp in important parts. It is now showing at the Queen’s Theatre..

“Rose Marie,” beloved by thousands who thrilled to her glamorous romance, while held breathless by the menace of the stick-at-nothing outlaws and the stirring deeds of the red-coated mounties. Tense passages of drama; dangers that threaten Rose Marie; desperate combats between the relentless NorthWest Mounted and the outlaws. The glorious backgrounds of Nature in her finest moments, and last, but not least, the lilting melodies known and loved so well. Played by an all-star cast, headed by Joan Crawford and James Murray, “Rose Marie” will thrill all who visit the Regent Theatre this week.

The breaking of a huge ice Jam that liberates millions of tons of water, a spirited race between thousands of hardy trappers in birch bark canoes to be first to the trading post with the winter’s catch, and a thrilling vendetta to the death between the Royal NorthWest Mounted Police and a desperate band, of outlaws, these are but a few of the many sensational incidents in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen version of “Rose Marie,” now showing at the Regent Theatre, with Joan Crawford. James Murray, House Peters, Polly Moran, Creighton Hale. Gibson Gowland, Lionel Belmore and Harry Gribbon.

In the biography of Irene Vanbrugh (who with Mr. Dion Bouclcault commences a farewell tour of New Zealand this month) published in “Who’s Who in the Theatre,” three whole pages are devoted t,o the parts she has played since she made her first appearance on the stage at the age of 16, as Phoebe in “As You Like It,” at the Theatre Royal, Margate. But her first London appearance was as the White Queen and Jack of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland.” Since then she has played many parts, a great number of them being created by her. Amongst her most notable roles were in “The Liars,” “Tfelawny of the Wells,” “The Admirable Crichton,” “His House in Order,” “The Thief,” “Mid-Channel.” “Passersby,” “Mis’ Nell o’ New Orleans,” and many others. In each of her roles it has "been said of her: “She is a joy co the eye, so sensitive, so original, and of such exquisite poise that at no time does one get a hint of weariness of labour; always one gets the best from her.”

General satisfaction has been expressed by the provincial districts of New Zealand at the very comprehensive tour mapped out for “The Midnight Frolics’ Company by Mr.. Bert Royle, New Zealand representative of J. C. Williamson and J. and N. Tait. It is some considerable time since a company of the calibre of the reconstructed “Midnight Frolics” Company, now under J. C. Williamson management, has visited these shores, and it is therefore all the more gratifying to note that .almost every provincial district of importance has been included in the Dominion itinerary. That this is so is proved by the many letters of thanks received by Mr. Royle during the past fortnight—together with applications from less important districts asking that the dates should be rearranged so that additional towns might be included. This, however, has been found impossible, though. Mr. Royle will use his best endeavour to make some minor alteration in the North island tour, details of which will be published, later.

Ernest Schoedsaek and Merian Cooper, the makers of “Grass” and “Chang,” returned from Africa recently with film taken in the wilds for use in their current Paramount production, “The Four Feathers,” based on the Mason novel. They have some interesting experiences to relate. Certain of the scenes of the picture were filmed in Portugese East Africa, and . between 250 and 300 Swahilispeaking blacks were hired to transport the equipment. According to Schoedsaek, they each carried a load of roughly 80 pounds with seemingly little effort, balancing it easily on their heads. The party spent three months along the Rovuma River filming a portion of the African sequences of the story. Cameras, tripods, tents, food, film, and other supplies were carried inland a distance of 150 miles by these men, to the place where the main camp was established. From thence expeditions left on the search for screen material. Following the three months spent in the Rovuma. the two adventurers made a 3000-mile trip northward to the Red Sea Hills, where other portions of the picture were taken. Setnes are now being taken at the Paramount studios with Richard Arlen. Noah Beery, William Powell, and Fay Gray in the cast

A series of immensely interesting settings representing scenes in the interior of a huge, modern battleship, were built at. First National’s Burbank studios for “Love at Midnight,” the latest picture starring Billie Dove, which is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. Almost the entire action of the pictures takes place on deck, in the staterooms and in the officers’ quarters oil the battleship. Technical experts and set designers spent many weeks in inspecting cruisers and drawing the sets to be absolutely authentic down to the slightest detail. An instance is a tiny setting representing the pilot room, of. the ship, in which all the dozens of delicate instruments, compasses and dials, speaking tubes, electric call boards, and signalling devices, were made exactly to scale. However, a real ship was used for the long shots.’ “The Night Watch”, is an intriguing mystery, drama in which the beautiful star has one of the most dramatic and' powerful roles of her screen career. Donald Heed and Paid Lukas share honours in the masculine leads opposite Miss Dove. Alexander Korda directed the picture from Lajos Biro’s adaptation of the play "In the Night Watch,” on which the production is based.

The final scenes, of British International’s picture, “Kitty,” were completed at Elstree last week, and Victor Saville, the well-known producer, who has taken elaborate pains over every conceivable detail of this picture, is well advanced with the cutting and editing of the negative. John Stewart. Estelle Brody, Dorothy Cummins, and a strong company are in this wellknown story by Warwick Deeping. The settings and mountings are simply remarkable. Kinema Art Films will release this picture during next year.

Alexandre D’Arcy, who ’Jias caused a sensation in the film world by his excellent portrayal of one of the most important parts in British International’s picture. "Paradise.” will start work shortly in the new picture, the locale of which will be in Spain. Mr. D’Arcy has already left London for Seville with intentions of studying Spanish, types and also to find a suitable Span ish beauty to play the role of the heroine. Captain Norman Walker, responsible for the production of "Tommy Atkins” and “Widdicombe Fair,” has been assigned to direct the new picture, the title of which for the time being must remain a secret. All pictures made by Alexandre D’Arcy for British International Pictures will be released in New Zealand by Kinema Art Films

Henry Victor, that excellent British film -actor, who stars in the British Dominions Film, “Guns of Loos,” was originally intended for a career in the city, and he had serious parental arguments to overcome before' he finally took the plunge into a film career. And then he had to fight some more, but his fine screen presence won him recognition, and he definitely became

a screen personality when he was engaged to phiy one of the leading parts in “The Prodigal Son.” He played leading roles in several important British productions, and then, in order to obtain further experience, went to Hollywood, where he quickly scored a big success. He played for some of the leading production companies, including Cecil B. de Mille’s, and other large American c6hcerns. Then the call of England tempted him to return, and he was immediately secured to star in "The Luck of the Navy,” with

Evelyn Laye. When "Guns of Loos” was completed. lie went to France, where he appeared in several big pictures.

The Queen’s Theatre yesterday began its engagement of “The Devil Horse,” in which is starred Rex, the. untamed, unconquered, magnificent wild horse that Hal Roach has brought to the screen for the third time in a Pathepicture, directed by Fred Jackman. “The Devil Horse” is drama written by Hai Roach, and inspired by the history of the crimson trails of the pioneer west. From the wrath of the slaying steed, the Indians prayed to their Gods for deliverance. Strange, terrible tales they told of a great, black horse, whose hoofs dealt death to the redskins. In their superstitious fear, he was a supernatural animal—tremendous iu size, snorting fire, fleet of foot, as terrifying as lightning—a Devil Horse 1 But, to a girl who was captured by the Indians, to the man who loved her, to the white men and women fighting valiantly in the Indian attack on their fort, and to Lady, his mate, the Devil Horse was a hero horse. “The Devil Horse,” has in its cast Yakima Canutt, Gladys McConnell, Robert Kortman, Fred Jackman, jun., and hundreds of Crow Indians, cowboys, and wild horses.

“The Midnight Frolics” company, sent to New Zealand by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., has unquestionably hit the public taste (writes an Auckland correspondent). They are putting on a series of what may be termed revuepantomimes which have been the means of attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to His Majesty’s. This remarkably clever combination is headed by those two excellent funmakers, Clem Dawe and Eric Edgley, who have certainly prepared a mostdelectable bill ,of fare for theatre patrons. There is a vivacity. about the show that cannot fail to appeal. There is a very strong supporting company, which includes that beautiful girl, Phyllis Amery, a dancer of renown; Les. White, comedian; Dorothy White, a regular live wire; the Dick and Dorothy Trio; Lillian Crisp, Gregory Ivanoff, William Perryman, and many other skilled artists, and one of the most accomplished jazi bands ever seen in New Zealand.

Biting, driving, snow, a gigantic avalauehe, crushing hundreds of Kyondyke gold-seekers to death, swirling rapids, swamping their frail boats, these are only a few of the stupendous scenes in “The Trail of ’98,” which will be shown at the De Luxe Theatre next week. In this latest directorial effort of Clarence Brown, Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer has again felt the public pulse, for “The Trail of ’9B” is filled with thrills, dramatic suspense, everquickening action, and several brilliant mis-en-scenes and ensemble shots that will long stand out in the memory of film fans Miss Del Rio again brings her brunette beauty to a role which runs the gamut of human emotions. Ralph Forbes, Karl Dane, Tully Marshall, George Cooper, and several others, form a very strong cast, while Clarence Brown’s direction of the picture again makes him stand out as one of the master directors of the screen. Not alone are his stupendous scenes compelling, but he offers touches that will stand out as kinematic gems.

■ New Zealand picturegoers will shortly be introduced to a very clever English character actress in the person of Mary Brough. After a long and successful stage career she made her first screen appearance in “Beauty and the Barge,” and since then has added many humorous touches to other films by her portrayal of coster women, flower-women, and other well-known London characters. And now she is ranked, among the famous comedy stars of the screen. Her biggest success undoubtedly is in the screen version of the world-famous music hail success, “A Sister to Assist. ’Er.” In this film she plays the double role of Mrs., May and Mrs. le Browning. Mrs. Maj- is a disreputable but lovable cockney woman, whose pastime is gindrinking, and for certain reasons, creates a mythical sister in the person of Mrs. le Browning. “A Sister to Assist ’Er" will shortly be released, by British Dominion Films.

The sound picture has effected a revolution in production methods. Each scene of a silent picture is given sometimes a quarter of an hour, sometimes only a few minutes’ rehearsal before the cameras start "grinding.'’ If the sequence is not to- the-liking of the director, it is immediately re-taken. The sound picture, however, must be approached • from a different angle. Recently on the sound stages of the Paramount studios, William de Mille, the director of the Paramount sound version of Sir James Barrie’s “Half an Hour,” and a cast including Ruth Chatterton. H. B. Warner, and John Loder, the English, actor, devoted two days to tile rehearsing of their spoken lines. During the progress of the rehearsal “play-back” records were made in order to determine whether the voices recorded -and reproduced properly. The morning of the; third day saw the players letter perfect in -their lines, and the first scenes were put through without a slip. A forgotten word or line is sufficient to ruin a scene and waste much valuable time, so that the screen actor or actress of the future will have to be endowed with a good memory.

The first picture to be released by Kinema Art Films in 1929 will be “The Ring,” produced by England’s youngest and best paid director, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock, in which Carl Brisson, the noted matinee idol, plays the principal part, with Lilian Hall-Davis as his leading lady. The second picture will be “Not Quite a Lady,” adapted from St. John Haggin’s well-known stage play, “The ’Casillis Engagement,” in which Mabel Boulton is starred, whilst the third release in January will be “Sapper’s” well-known story “Poppies of Flanders.” All the three releases are from the British International studios at Elstree, and compare more than favourably with the releases of all other foreign producers-distribu-tors.

Annie Ondra is the star of “God’s Clay,” which is from the novel by Alice and Claude Askew, and proves very conclusively that she is a screen luminary to be reckoned with in the future. “God’s Clay,” with its exquisite scenery, its fine acting values, and its great and compelling heights of drama and pathos, its hilarious humour provides us with indisputable proof of the amazing strides that British production is making. Produced by First National Patlie, this fine picture is solid entertainment, apart from the patriotic appreciation of a line achievement evoked by its arresting merit. English life, high and low, is shown with no exaggerated splurges of colour, but each in their unbelievable contrast, adding to the general dramatic and unusual note. Full of the thrill of life, and presenting some remarkable typos, “God’s Clay” is a production we can honestly recommend to the lover of good and British pictures.