Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 140, 9 March 1929, Page 22

Films and the Stage.

“Captain Lash,” starring Victor McLaglen, who made his first smashing hit in “What Price Glory,” is due for an early release in New Zealand. This production is a romance of the high seas, and of ports at the end of a voyage made thrilling by a love affair between an ocean liner’s fifth engineer, and an adventuress. There is a mystery, and one fight after another. Claire Windsor plays the role of adventuress, end Jane Winton that of “Babe of Singapore. ’

Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, fast-rising young screen stars, came .to the Paramount last night in their new Fox Films movietone production, i “Street Angel.” It proved to be a masterpiece of beauty, charmingly acted and perfectly directed by Frank Borzage, who also made that other memorable Gaynor-Farrell picture, “Seventh Heaven.” The story is laid against the colourful background of Naples and the beautiful, soft-toned photographic treatment of the many picturesque scenes is a conspicuous contribution to the art of the motion picture. Miss Gaynor, as a little waif of the Neapolitan waterfront, and Farrell as a vagabond artist who meets and falls in love with her, handle their roles with superb skill, and their many love scenes together held the audience lt recounts the story of Angelina’s desperate attempt to raise funds for her dying mother by taking to the streets, for which she is arrested and sentenced to prison. She escapes from the police and joins a small, travelling circus in l which she becomes a ballet performer. Here she meets Gino, the wandering, painter, but their romance is shattered- by the police who track her down and take her away to prison. However, they, are finally reunited and made happy again. “Street Angel” is a picture that ranks with the best of all time.

' i: One of the most spectacular oil well blazes occurred recently at Santa Fe, a small towu, situated a short distance from Hollywood. The flames shot up . from the well to a great height, and so intense was the heat that the firemen could not approach near enough to quell the blaze. Scenes from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” George Bancroft’s latest Paramount pr'oduction, were being filmed at the Paramount studios, when a call was received from the scene of the fire, for wind machines to deflect the flames and heat. The wind machines are mounted on lorries, and are similar to aeroplane propellers, driven by aero motors. Several were being used for “The Wolf of Wall a Street”-at the time, and these were im-, mediately dispatched to Santa Fe. The firemen were able to work under cover Of the tremendous draught, which drove both flames and heat from them, and they succeeded in closing the mouth of the well.

Paramount solved the problem of educating child players by erecting a special school within the studio grounds, where the children are given, regular lessons when they are not working on a picture production. There are three classrooms, a diningroom, and a kitchen, all in charge of Rachel Smith, a young West Australian girl, who went to Hollywood some years ago. Miss Smith is well-known in the West, and is a graduate of the Claremont Teachers’ College. Just now Miss Smith is very busy, for there have been many additions to her pupils lately. Many children of the school age have been signed for parts in “The Patriot,’*' Emil Jannings’s great Paramount picture, and other big Paramount productions.

It’s the smile with the voice that wins, judging from the experience of William Boyd, the P.D.O. star. It was his infectious grin which won him his chance to get into pictures. His first job was a clerk in a grocery store in Orange, California. One afternoon some members of a motion picture company on location near Orange drifted into the store to make some purchases, and were interested in the bubbling personality and winning smiles of the husky youth who waited on them. They saw more of the young man while in Orange, and several of them strongly advised him to make a try at pictures, offering to help him. It was a year before Bill felt financially able to make the risk, and then through his new friends he got extra work and “bits.” While working as an extra in a Cecil B. De Mille picture, the famous director was attracted by the contagious Boyd grin. As the result the young actor got a contract and a featured role in “The Road to Yesterday,” and later his first real chance in “The Volga Boatman.” With that last-mentioned picture Boyd was established, and starred in a number of popular P.D.C. pictures. Now, with the arrival of the talkies it is discovered that in addition to a smile and real acting talent, Bill has also a fine speaking voice, as is demonstrated in “The Leatherneck,” his latest, which has a dialogue and sound with the photophone process. “The Leatherneck” will be distributed in New Zealand by the British Film Service, Ltd.

Co-starring in “True Heaven,” Fox Films, which is shortly to be released in New Zealand, are Lois Moran and George O’Brien, both of whom give colourful interpretations of their parts. O’Brien appears as a British lieutenant who, back of the lines in Belgium, falls in love with a mysterious girl, known as “Judith.” Later, while a member of a British intelligence unit, he discovers that “Judith’ ’is an enemy spy. The developments that follow provide one thrill after another. Well-known actors of both the screen and stage make up the rest of the cast. Prominent are Donald MaCKenzie, Hedwig Reicher, Duke Martin, and Will Stanton.

Californian law caused a motion picture company to move “Australia’ ten .miles during the filming of Tim McCoy’s Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, “The Bushranger,” now playing at the Regent Theatre. In the new- picture, first all-Australian romance ever filmed in America, a perfect replica of an Austalian landscape was found for the exterior scenes. Examination, however, showed that yucca, a distinctly Western plant never seen in Australia, was growing there. Because of a State law, designed to save this rapidly disappearing plant, it could not be cleared away, so Chester Withey, the director, had to move ten miles to another location, where no yucca grew. The new picture is a vivid romance of Australia’s early bushranging days—adventure, thrills, and robbery under arms, depicted with amazing fidelity, to our early history. Marion Douglas, herself an Australian, plays the heroine, while Dale Austen, “Miss New Zealand,” and Frank Baker, brother of the famous Australian sportsman, “Snowy” Baker, are in the cast.

Earle Foxe has gone into villainy as a business. The once popular comedian of the Van Bibber comedies, since his sinister role in “Hangman’s House” has scored in a number of heavy roles, including the Junker officer in “Four Sons.” Since then .he has played an English crook in “Captain Lash,” and now he is cast by Fox as a night club proprietor in Fox Films’ “Fugitives,” in which Madge Bellamy has the stellar role.

) The next big | vaudeville act to e incorporated in the Regent all-star programme is a series of unique presentations by the noted World’s Entertainers, who stage a nost varied and acceptable turn. The World’s En.ertainers provide three high-standard vaudeville scenas, und in the East and Australia the audiences were delighted with the variety and brilliancy of the turns. It is the intention of the Liegent to submit >nly the best in vaudeville, and the ■management, will supplement the speci a I'l y attractive .film presentations —selected from the world’s most famous picture plays—with programmes nf unique entertain.ment of the high . standard characteristic of this popular I theatre. Details of • these big ■ attractions are now be-l-ing arranged by ■che general manai ger, Mr. R. A. I Shepard, and will 1 shortly be detailed in the columns of ;he “Dominion.”

Recently, the Linn Smith Jazz Band, with the “League of No;ious,” at His Majesty’s Theatre, was depleted of one of its members for a few nights,: when Cluny McPherson, who supplies' a little twang to th? proceedings, had to go into hospital to .undergo a slight operation. The next sufferer was Thomas Stratton, who laid down his saxophone, and played the invalid, for a week or so. He re- * sumed work again Monday, rather white and shaky, it is true, but a little make-up hid that from the audience, and he went through with the perfomance, as usual. He is well on the mend now, it is pleasing to say.

"The Vagabond King," the spectacular J. C. Williamson operatic production co be presented ai the Grand Opera House, Tuesday. March 12, for a short season, is the outstanding success of the theatrical sea son. Principals and chorus .number nearly 100. Above are pictured: Left Jas. Liddy, the famous tenor; lower picture: Strella Wilson, Australia's "Queen of Song”, Right, Arthur Stigant, "Prince of Comedians."

Six Universal pictures have just been listed for special recommendation by the National Board of Review. They have been included in the reviewing organisation ’ s photoplay guide. The pictures are “The Kid’s Clever,” the latest Glenn Tryon feature c o m e d y ; •Fighting for Victory,” the latest of 'T h e Collegians’” .cries; “The South Joie Flight," and vk Horse Tale,’’ .wo recent Oswald tnd Lucky Rabbit :artoon comedies.

.nd “The Rag Doll,” a Laemmle novelty one-reeler.

Lillian Gish has — nished the world na n y surprises; ter roles have anged from the picturesque sweetie s s of .“The White Sister” to the tragic sacrifice of “Hester Prynne” -but it has remained for “The Wind,” her newest letro - Goldwyn - Mayer production —to bring out a tew side to the actress’s many-sided versatility. A woman at bay—fighting in a, primitive wilderness with the savagery of a tigress to save her ioul—this is the character she por,rays in the mighty drama, perhaps the most remarkable in per entire career. It is a story of elemental emotions in a primitive land; a land where the cyclone, the norther, and the dreaded sandstorms continually lash and sear the souls of those within it; where primitive passions rule, and only the fit survive. Lars Hanson, who will be • remembered for his remarkable acting with the star in “The Scarlet Letter,” has the leading male role.

Miss Norma Talmadge, unquestionably one of the outstanding screen stars of the world, has many wonderful productions to her credit, but it is stated that in ‘‘The Woman Disputed.” she comp let e - ly overshadows all her former triumphs. I this United Artists’ picture, she enacts the roleof a woman who makes a tremendous sacrifice to save her country. The magnificent settings, large cast, and the masterly direction of Henry King combine in making a screen play that will long be remembered. It will be released in Wellington shortly.

“The Canary Murder Case” was put into production recently at the Paramount studios as an all-talking picture. The silent version has been completed, and is now in the process of editing and titling, William Powell will again play the role of the detective, Philo Vance, in the dialogue production. Other members of the cast remain the same, including James Hall, Jean Arthur, and Louise Brooks.

Henry Edwards, whose fine performance as “The Flag Lieutenant” is still fresh in the memory of New Zealand picture-goers, once again portrays the bright’ and breezy naval officer, David Lascelles, in the new British Dominions Film, “The Further Adventures of the Flag Lieutenant,” now screening at the De Luxe Theatre. Edwards has plenty of scope to display both his acting and athletic abilities, for his clashes with the Chinese rebels, he has some exciting moments, and many hand to hand fights with the international conspirators. In writing the sequel to "The Flag Lieutenant” Colonel Drury has skillfully guarded against the difficulties of capturing in the film studio the correct atmosphere of , the Senior Service by frankly reverting to the methods of stage melodrama. He' has written a stirring story of the theft and recovery of mysterious papers which are purloined through a Chinese laundryman by a gang of foreign political crooks, cut away from the coat tails of a sinister villain, concealed in the sunshade of a beautiful “vamp” (excellently portrayed by that fine British film actress, Isabel Jeans), rescued from a blazing junk, to be stolen away again and finally produced from a porcelain vase just at the moment most fitting, to conclude proceedings with a naval wedding.

With the showing of “Wild West Romance” at the Queen’s Theatre local audiences will have an opportunity of seeing Rex Bell, Fox Films newest find, in his debut as a star. Bell is the -fortunate youngster who was picked from thousands of candidates as being the most representative and typical cowboy of the West. While only twenty-one years of age, this boy has ridden herd for over six years and for over a year played bits in pictures. Fox Films executives are enthusiastic with his work in the first picture as a start and are predicting that in a short time he will be one of the most popular Western players on the screen. In “Wild West Romance” he is given every opportunity to show his ability as a daring rider, performer of hazardous stunts and actor of great merit .a a story that is said to be crammed with Interest, suspense and excitement.

There was a Special Diggers’ Reunion held at the New" Opera House, Christchurch, under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, 400 ex-serviee men attending. The Pat Hanna Digger Company is in season there, and their war sketches were received enthusiastically. After the performance the stage was cleared and the 400 Diggers took part in a reunion function on the stage, while their wives remained in the front stalls and were entertained by the lady members of the Pat Hanna Company. Light refreshments were served. The orchestra remained and played several selections and accompanied the song items. The whole proceeding was broadcast by 3YA, Christchurch. The evening was a great success although it was an impromptu affair, and there are suggestions of holding a Diggers’ Reunion Night in all the centres in which the “Digger” Company plays.

Mona Magnet, the charming musical comedy actress, has scored a great triumph in “The Midnight Frolics’ presentation. For many weeks Miss Magnet travelled with the great “Show Boat” company, and was one of the favourite performers in the provincial areas of England. In London, also, Miss Magnet has many friends. “The Frolics” return to Wellington for the Easter season.

The statement made by Mr. E. J. Tait-(managing director of J. C. Williamson, Ltd.), that important plays and musical productions were scheduled for early presentation in New Zealand has caused quite a thrill. In addition to “The Patsy” (which will probably be the Easter attraction at Auckland), “Pigs,” a highly successful American comedy, will, Mr. Tait says, come over here. “The Desert Song,” which is breaking all Australian records, will also be staged in New Zealand, but later on in the year. With such dramas as Edgar Wallace’s “Flying Squad,” and “The Wrecker,” with “This Year ' of Grace,” “The Show Boat,” “The Five O'clock Girl,” “New Moon,” and “Follow Through,” and the -worldfamous dancer Pavlova, New Zealanders can look forward with confidence' to theatrical fare of the very highest quality. '

The British Film Service, Ltd., New Zealand distributors of P.D.C., have received interesting news from the studio regarding topical sound films now in course of production. The application of sound to motion pictures is a new art, and daring experimenters have a wide and virgin field in which to display their genius. That which is at first thought to be impossible often turns out to be practical, if the problem is attacked with energy, patience, and brains. The latest example of this appears in the second issue of P.D.C. z Sound News. For the first time is achieved a new technology in sound ) -cture recording, with the presentation of a double-exnosed sound track as well as a double exposed picture. The new technique is very successful, permitting the attainment of high emotional intensity. The American battlefield graves in France are shown, with phantom lines of troops marching across the screen. In synchronisation with the picture a bugle blows softly in the distance, while a voice in the foreground recites “In Flanders Fields.” * “““ers

The most human personality on the American screen, that is the William Haines of “Excess Baggage,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, now screening at the Regent Theatre. Haines, who won his reputation as a wisecracking athlete of “West Point” and “The Sniiirt Set,” has blossomed out In an entirely new character, that of a grown-up adult man who loves fun but doesn’t it to blind him to the vital elements of life. William Haines as the cheap vaudeville juggler and slaek-rope walker of “Excess Baggage” does the very finest work of his career. He is interesting, curiously vital, dramatic and alive. From the moment he makes his entrance, proposing to the adorable Josephine Dunn, until the moment when, high in the roof of the New York theatre, he prepares ;o lay down his life to remove an obstacle to her screen success. For the first scenes of the picture Director James Cruze ordered a complete vaudeville road show to be booked. The show included a trick bicycle riding act, a chorus of dancing girls, a contortionist, a juggling act and a “sister” act. It is shown in entirety on the screen as part of the picture. The brilliant cast includes Ricardo Cortez and Kathleen Clifford.

“The Constant Nymph.” the Gainsborough picture, which ,1s being presented at the Strand Theatre next week, is a British picture reaching a high standard. It reconstructs on the screen the story of Margaret Kennedy s novel, which has been a remarkable “best-seller” and raises to stardom Mabel Poulton who, eight years ago, was a junior typist. Her interpretation of “Tessa” —and she read the novel thirteen times during the making of the picture—ls one of the most delightful things ever seen on the screen. “The Constant Nymph” is a triumph of British screen craft, and has been built up by a skilful combination of art and technique.

Movie-goers have a unique treat in store for them at the Regent Theatre, when Tim McCoy appears in his latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring production, “The Bushranger,” a vivid romance of Australia’s early days. J-lns "is the first all-Australian motion picture produced abroad and its fidelity to\ local history is guaranteed by the fact that “Snowy” Baker and James J. Warwick headed a select party or Australians, who acted as technical assistants to the director. The story opens in England, but Van Dieman s Land rapidly becomes the locale, followed by Ballarat and the country in the sequence where McCoy, having escaped from the convict settlement, becomes a notorious bushranger to find breath-catching thrills, high adventure, romance and love in the Australian bush, and all this absorbing action is unfolded in typically Australian country. Marlon Douglas, herself an Australian girl, plays the principal feminine role opposite the star,. while Dale Austen, “Miss New Zealand, 1927” has the other feminine role, and both girls interpret their parts with the utmost skill. Frank Baker, brother of the famous Australian “Snowy” Baker, also appears in the cast, with Russell Simpson and other screen favourites.

■Rillie Dove, star in First National Pictures is a skilful costume designer, worn by the Follies beauties who sup nort her in the picture are of the £ ss «« ffirl Larry Kent plays opposite Miss, Dove. Lowell Sherman, Mildred Harris and other notable players ia the supporting cast. John Francis Dillon directed the film.

The Intimation given by Mr. E. J. Tait (managing director of the noted J. C. Williamson firm) that ine Patsy” will come to New Zealand after its record-breaking run in Australia, has given general satisfaction throughout New Zealand. This is proved by the fact that Mr. Bert Royle, the New Zealand representative of the firm, has been simply inundated with applications from various districts for dates. There is no question that dainty Irene Homer has proved a wonderful success in Australia. Thousands are still flocking to see this clever little artiste in her inimitable role. The other members of the company have splendid roles. Eileen Sparkes, a most capable actress, is the Patsy’s eldest sister; A. 3. Byron (first appearance) is The Patsy's father, Sam Wren (first appearance), is a young man very much in love; Brandon Peters (Jim, in “The Trial of Mary Dugan”) is Patsy’s boy friend and talented Vera Gerald is another.

On Thursday, March 28, the “League of Notions” Revue will have to pack up its goods and chattels, and betake itself down to Dunedin, there to amuse and delight the Inhabitants of that southern town, as it has been doing in Wellington for the past seventeen weeks. Succeeding them at His Majesty’s Theatre is Frank O’Brian and his “Revellers’ Company, a revue combination which has been winning high com: mendations in the South Island. The “Revellers” are scheduled to open on Easter Saturday, March 30, and their popularity is assured before they commence their season. They are strong in comedy and music. Frank O’Brian, Bert Lee, and Janice Hart lead the fun, and there is no respite from the rise to the fall of the curtain. The show is a whirlwind of gaiety, one of the fastest moving comedy , to visit this city. There are, altogether, fourteen principals, eight ballet girls, and Vasco’s Varsity Boys’ Jazz Band, seven talented musicians, who in their programme cover a wide stretch of music, ranging from jazz to grand opera. The “Revellers” have established a reputation for originality. Their staging and froeking is on elaborate scale, and the whole entertainment is delightful.

An exceptional cast supports Richard Barthelmess in “Scarlet Seas,” his newest First National'starring vehicle which is now showing at the King’s Theatre. For the first time Betty Compson is seen playing opposite the star, with Loretta. Young in the featured -ingenue role, .Miss Compson has been a star in her own right and has built up an enormous following since her sensational work several years ago in “The Miracle Man.’? Loretta Young is a young miss discovered by First National and seen recently in the. feminine lead with LOn Chaney. In “Laugh, Clown, Laugh.” The villainy of “Scarlet Seas” is perpetuated by Jack Curtis, whose evil eye has made him one of the deepest-dyed bad men of the screen. The “pious old hypocritic” role of Johnson in “Scarlet Seas” is enacted by James Bradbury, senior, a character man of popularity both on stage and screen. Other important roles are essayed by Knute ■ Ericsson, Larry Fisher, Bill, Wilson, Jack Hyland, and Fred O’Beck. John Francis Dillon, whose direction of “The Noose” won him plaudits, tVas responsible for the direction of “Scarlet Seas.” The story Is an original screen narrative from the pen of Scott Darling, especially written for Barthelmess and adapted to the screen iby Bradley King. A battery of twelve cameras, under the direction of Sol Polito, was used in filming the highly spectacular sequences taken at sea and on the Island of Catalina in the Pacific.

“The Canary Murder Case” was put into production recently at the Paramount studios as an all-talking picture. The silent version has been completed, and is now In the process of editing and titling. William Powell will again play the role of the detective, Philo Vance, in the dialogue production. Other members of the cast remain the same, including James Hall, Jean Arthps, and Louisa Brooks.