Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 22

Films and the Stage.

The Wanganui Little Theatre Society has chosen the three-act comedy, “And So to Bed,” by J. B. Fagan, for its first production. This delightful play presents a day in the life of Samuel Bepys. “Bird in Hand,” John Drinkwater’s comedy, was produced for the first time in New Zea- ’ land by the Auckland Little Theatre Society on Wednesday evening.

Reviewing his *troop of cavalrymen for thrilling use in “Morgan’s Last Raid,” now showing at the Regent Theatre, Director Nick Grinde, found that the saddles used by the horsemen varied greatly, and though they were the pride of their owners, men who came from the mountains, plains, and even the steppes, they had to be discarded in favour of saddles of the eighties. So it is that “Morgan’s Last Raid” is authentically based ori actual history. This latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring production for Tim McCoy is a fast-moving adventure drama ,of Civil War days, l with a throbbing love story as the centre of interest. Dorothy Sebastian appears opposite McCoy, while Wheeler Oakman and Hank Mann are also in the cast. Making weather to order on the largest scale ever attempted in pictures was the strange task Carried out in the filming of the new- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring production for Lillian Gish, “The Wind,” which is now screening, at the Regent Theatre. Wind-storms, tempests, and even a cyclone were duplicated fdr the screen by engineering science. Complete details of the storms which were staged on the Mojave desert were worked out by the Engineering department at the studio. “The Wind” is a story of elemental emotions in a primitive land; a land where the cyclone, the Norther and the dreaded sand-storms continually lash'and; sear; the souls of those within it; where primitive passions rule, and ■ only the fit. survive. The fine supporting cast includes Lars Hanson, Montague Love, and Dorothy - Cummings.

It’s a far cry from New Zealand to Glasgow, bat one lady member of the audience at His Majesty’s Theatre was carried back to her native city when Frank O’Brian and Janice Hart did a double act during the performance of ' the “Revellers.” ' This lady bad seen them in Glasgow live or six years ago, and, although she had forgotten the names she recognised the artists as soon as they stepped on the stage, so great an impression had they made on her at that time. Miss Hart and Mr. O’Brian,have appeared in all the' leading variety theatres throughout Great Britain in recent years, and no doubt there are many emigrants in the Dominion who will remember two of the most popular vaudeville artists to tour through Scotland and England.

Because the natives of the South Seas refused to simulate death even for a motion picture, Director W. S. Van Dyke was forced to engage' a dozen white extras and paint their bodies for one scene in “White Shadows in the South Seas,” soon to be seen at the Regent Theatre as Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s first Movietone production. The picture was filmed in and around the island of Tahiti, with Monte Blue in the leading, role. One scene called for Blue to be set adrift on a schooner where the crew had all contracted influenza. Unfortunately the natives have a “tabu” that any native brings great bad luck to himself by playing dead. Hence the “doubling” of white actors for this one scene, although native actors appear in nearly every other scene of the production.

“Blending Patter” is the newtst job of handiwork in the films, created by the demands of talking and musical pictures. The “Patter Blender” furnishes the dialogue which is the basis of a music cue. He must make the transition as natural as possible, so that, the hero hitherto discussing Federal farm relief, for instance, can break forth into a mammy song without embarrassment.

• In connection with the New Zealand tour of the sensational, railway drama, “The Wrecker,” the following dates have been arranged by Mr. Bert Royle, N6w Zealand representative of J. C. Williamson, Ltd.: Auckland, May 8 to 14; Hamilton, -lay 15; Wanganui, May 17; New Plymouth, May 18; Palmerston North, May 20; Napier, May 21; Hastings, May 22; Dannetirke, May 23; Wellington, May 24 to June 1; Christchurch, June 4 to 10; Timaru, June 11; Dunedin, June 12 to 48; Oamaru, June 19.

The British Film Service, Ltd., announce that “The Cop.” Pathe de Mille’s startling story of life in a metropolitan police department, is now ready for release in New Zealand. The cast has been carefully chosen and the handsome and popular 1 William Boyd heads the list. The daring methods of criminal gangs and the risks run by tiie men of the Secret Service provide many thrilling scenes in the picture. A hold-up scene in which a bank car is rammed by a truck, is one of the most realistic incidents portrayed on the screen. Jacqueline Logan and Alan Hale are included in the supporting cast.

Fox Films promises something novei in the realm of murder mysteries with their latest all-talking feature, “Through Different Eyes.” The story unfolds for the audience through the eyes of the prosecuting attorney, the defence lawyer, and a girl of mystery. Warner Baxter and Mary Duncan have the leads. Both these players were seasoned before the footlights before, entering upon their careers in the silent films. Now they again have the opportunity to speak their lines.

Paramount’s first all-dialogue picture, “The Doctor’s Secret,” is the first of the weekly “talkie” releases from Paramount. A complete Paramount talking programme will be featured at the principal theatres in the main cities of New Zealand as soon as installations can be made. “The Doctor’s Secret” contains dialogue from the start to the finish of the picture. Ruth Chatterton, prominent Broadway star, plays the main role, other important members of the cast being H. B. Warner, John Loder, Robert Edeson, Wilfred Noy, and Ethel Wales.

Manning Haynes, one of Britain’s cleverest film directors, has scored a great triumph in the screen version of “The Ware Case,” by George Pleydell, from the well-known novel of the same title on which the great stage success was based. Those who have seen this First National Pathe picture consider it one of the cleverest mystery stories ever screened. Sir Hubert Ware is universally popular, but underlying his pleasant exterior he has a callous nature. Lady Ware knows his failing. Her brother, who lives with them, has a fortune left to him by his father. Sir Hubert loses his money and is faced with penury. The young fellow quarrels with his sister and is later found drowned. Lady Ware is terrified, but finding a note from the boy is reassured. At the inquest marks are found on the throat of the lad. A verdict of murder is returned. Some believe in the accident theory; some suspect Lady Ware, who benefits financially; others suspect Sir Hubert. Everything appears to be satisfactory, when the news comes that Sir Hubert Ware has been arrested for the murder. At the request of his wife, Sir Michael Adye, a celebrated lawyer in love with her, takes up the defence. After an exciting trial, Sir Hubert is acquitted. On returning home he tells his wife the truth. The outcome is dramatic and provides a startling climax to the story. “The Ware Case” is now screening at the Queen’s Theatre.

More than 300 extra players appear in Clara Bow’s new Paramount picture, "The Fleet’s In!’’ garbed In naval uniform, i For the most part, the men selected were ex-naval men, so that authentic and realistic atmosphere could be obtained. “The Fleet’s In!” is the feature attraction at the De Luxe Theatre this week. Director Malcolm St. Clair, before actual production of the film was started, insisted that the men portraying sailors have previous naval training and experience at sea. Casting directors found a good many numbered among the host of extra players in Hollywood, and a great number Of them were engaged in some other work, but gladly took part in the picture for the sake of old times. They entered info the spirit of the picture just as if again they were back in uniform. Clara Bow gives one of her strongest characterisations in this picture, according to advance reports. Critics have been lavish with their praise of the work of the flaming-haired star. The story concerns Miss Bow, portraying the role of a dance-hall hostess, who is the centre of a rivalry between Hall and Oakie. How the story is brought to a brilliant climax, is one of the many surprising and entertaining features of the film.

A German company has produced a “Waterloo” .picture produced hy Karie Grune. The international spirit is indicated by the fact that Napoleon is played by a Frenchman, Blucher by a German, and Wellington by an Englishman.

In the autumn Edgar Wallace is hoping to present a new play in Lori' don, starring Paul Robeson, the negro actor, and singer. He is also said to be writing pieces for Sir Gerald du Maurier and Gilbert Miller, and Leslie Faber and Ronald Squire. When Margaret Bannerman reaches London, she ' may also appear in one of his plays.

Don Finley has istablished the Turret Theatre in Sydney. It will hold only 150 people. Among his supporters are Professor Radcliffe Brown and Ernest Watt.

Victor McLaglen, Fox Film star, who won his rightful place in the kinema sun by his superb work in “What Price Glory,” will shortly be seen in the Fox Film “Captain Lash.” McLaglen is Captain Lash, a nickname bestowed upon him, a fifth engineer on a ship, because he drives the men under him so ruthlessly. Off duty he divides his time between making love and fighting. His pal is Cocky, a tiny seaman, played by Clyde Cook. When Lash develops a romantic turn of mind after seeing Claire Windsor, who has the role of an adventuress, he gets into the most serious trouble of his life. But lie is extricated in an ingenious way, by the always present Cocky.

East is East, but the twain does meet in “Fazil,” Fox Films feature production which opened last night at the Paramount Theatre. But Kipling must have been right in the first place, for they don’t mix at all. Fazil is the name of an Arabian prince, impersonated by Charles Farrell. Greta Nissen plays the French girl who represents .the West. The story concerns a young sheik who rules his tribe with an iron hand and on a diplomatic trip to Paris falls in love with and marries a Parisienne. They clash, however, for she will not be ruled by the customs and traditions of his people. This leads to many intensely dramatic scenes, the climax coming when her friends come to i'ie Prince’s palace to help her escape. During this exciting episode, Fazil is shot. The ending is as unexpected as it- is thrilling and is not divulged as it would rob the picture of one of its biggest thrills. The settings are luxurious—in fact, few pictures are so richly mounted as this one. The ballroom scene is one of sheer splendour and the harem scene, in which dozens of beautiful girls appear, has seldom been excelled.

Paramount are searching the world for the best talking picture material in existence. A .Galsworthy play, “The Escape,” has just been acquired, and it will be made into a 100 per cent, dialogue picture in the near future, “The Escape” is one of the current successes of the London stage, and has also met with coinsiderable success in the Broadway presentation. Sir Basil Dean, well-Kiiown British producer and director, who was responsible for the New York and London presentations of the play, has been signed to direct the talking production for Paramount. Sir'Basil will leave London within the next few weeks, bound for Hollywood, and his first venture into motion pictures. Jesse L. Lasky, vice-president of Paramount, announced that one of Broadway’s leading stage stars would be signed to play the main role in the story. Actual filming -will start in April, according to present schedules.

After their successful season the brilliant company of fun-makers, “The Midnight Frolics” will be presented to several provincial districts of the North Island before their departure for Australia. Masterton was played for two nights (last Monday and Tuesday), Hastings was the locale for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and Gisbprne will see this splendid combination to-night (Saturday) and Monday. Other districts to be visited are: Wairoa, April 25; Napier. April 26 to 29; Waipukurau, April' 30; Dannevirke, May 1; Palmerston North, May 2 and 4: Wanganui. May 6 and 7; Hawera, May 8; New Plymouth, May 9to 11; Hamilton, May 14. The return Auckland season will then commence, at the conclusion of which the company will return to Australia for a well-earned rest.

Many American screen stars arc anxious to enter vaudeville in order to gain experience tor talking films. Casting offices are having a difficult time in finding them dates, and are advising them to tour with small legitimate troops in order to gain knowledge.

“Evangeline,” Dolores Del Rio’s first picture after her return from Europe, was made with dialogue and music. Roland Drew plays opposite the Mexican star in a story based on Longfellow’s poem. They will be heard in duet singing French folk vngs.

With her company augmented by the addition of two notable English stars, Miss Yvette Aiming and Billy Leonard, dainty Elsie Prince is due back for a season in New Zealand shortly; some say at the termination of her present Sydney season before she goes on to Melbourne. This is very welcome news indeed. No artiste has achieved such enviable popularity throughout the Dominion as this charming musical comedy star,’ and her return visit could be nothing but an overwhelming triumph for all concerned. She will have an extensive repertoire to delight New Zealanders, including “Good News” and her present success “Lido Lady,” with which she has made such a wonderful impression in Sydney.

At the Wellington University students are busy reviving an old college institution, the annual capping extravaganza. It is understood that this year’s show —which is entitled “G.G.” —makes a distinct break with tendencies of the recent past in that it possesses a definite plot and is throughout pure- burlesque of a topical character. Some novel comedy is promised—a Tunney-Heeney bull-fight, a naval engagement with an American rumrunner, a cannibal feast on a certain mandated territory not far distant from these shores, and so on —all of it conducted in true capping spirit.

Regarding talking pictures, Mr. Harry M. Warner says in an American paper that he has often been asked whether talking pictures .will outlast the silent variety. He says that his answer is simple and to the point. Talking pictures, according to him, are here to stay. He further asserts that silent pictures are better than ever since the talkies put in an appearance. Observation convinces Mr. Warner that the public will pay eagerly for both kinds.

Even if you do not hit anything it costs £350 to shoot off a pistol on a sound stage—that is, if the technicians do jnot know you are to do .it. Ronald Colman made the discovery when he accidentally tired off a weapon during the making of “Bulldog Drummond,” an all-talking picture. The discharge “blasted” one of the sensitive microphones hanging over his head. They cost £350 each to replace. Ordinarily because of the extreme-sensi-tiveness of the “mike” when a pistol shot is to be recorded the gun is fired at least seventy-five feet from the recording instrument.

The United States Department of Commerce has announced that of the 50.000 motion picture theatres in the world, 20,500 are in the United States. “Craig’s Wife” was withdrawn from the Fortune Theatre, London, after having run for nine days. Phyllis Neilson-Terry has not yet decided on her future plans.

Tommy McAuliffe, the armless golfer, at present appearing at. the Sydney Haymarket Theatre, is one of the most interesting of American vaudeville personalities. ' Prior to joining these ranks he had an amazingly varied career, holding positions which would distinguish any man unhandicapped as he. First big undertakings were in the coal business. From here he passed on to the secretary’s chair of a Buffalo, New York, golf club; then became newspaper sports write, director of the American Business Club,' and nominee for State Senator. Shortly after the political venture, McAuliffe’s uncanny trick shooting ability was realised. He was grabbed up right away for the stage, and has since toured extensively throughout U.S.A.

A girl accidentally shoots her fosterfather, and, to avoid arrest, joins a band of tramps. Such is the theme of “Beggars of Life,” the Paramount production /which has been secured by the management of the Strand Theatre for a second week. Wallace Beery as Oklahoma Red is a remarkable character, and gives a wonderful interpretation of a colourful part. Richard Arlen and Louise Brooks provide the love interest in this very human story.

In the garage attached to their house ,at Los Angeles Miss Blanch Sweet, the ’kinema star, found her husband, Mr. Marshall Neifttn. the film director, overcome by gas. With the help of a servant she broke in the door and had the unconscious man taken to hospital. The actress explained that it was evident that Mr. Neilan had locked the door of the garage while the engine of the car was running and had been over-, come by the fumes. '

? It is understood that Phyllis Haver apd Bert Lytell will be married soon. Lytell is ex-husband of Claire Windsor. Miss Haver has never married.

Motion pictures provide one of the most popular amusements in Portugal- The theatres are usually crowded in the evenings with all classes and all ages of men, women and children. 'Usually there is one show each evening and one matinee each week at the theatres in Lisbon. In the provinces the theatres exhibit films only two or three times each week, and in the very , small places sometimes only once each week.'

“The Patsy,” the brilliant and appealing comedy now being presented in New Zealand by the J. C. Williamson Company which has dainty Irene Homer at its- head, has proved to be one of the most sensational successes ever sponsored by that enterprising firm. When in New Zealand recently Mr. E. J. Tait, managing director of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in discussing this now famous play, said it was bought by Mr. Frank Tait while the latter was on a business visit to the United States. It had never failed to attract and please, and in Australia it had eclipsed all previous comedy records. It was the wonderfully • enthusiastic reception accorded the play which had encouraged the firm to p.oduce it in London, and so enthusiastic had been its reception in the great capital that Sir George Tallis (who is in London, and witnessed its premiere) believed that it would run a year there. It is not often that New Zealand audiences have the opportunity of witnessing a play simultaneous with its London presentation, and this fact affords further evidence of the desire of the firm y to give and New Zealanders the very latest in successful stage presentations. . “The Patsy” will open the Wellington season on May 3.

Sensational developments have occurred recently .regarding British talking and sound films. It is well known that tremendous~studios have been erected at Brighton and Wembley and that the cost of these runs into some millions of pounds. Already two ambitious productions have been completed by British companies with full sound equipment. One is “Balaclava,” which features Cyril McLaglen and Benita Hume, in which the producer, Maurice Elvey, is said to have obtained some extraordinary results with the British acoustic process. In the famous charge of the Light Brigade the cries of the soldiers, reports of the artillery, the thudding hoofs of the horses and all the tumult of battle have' been reproduced faithfully. The other film is "The Lady of the Lake,” which stars Percy Marmont and Benita Hume. These two pictures released by British Dominions Films are expected to be seen and heard in New Zealand this year.

“London Love” is a well-staged and well-acted popular melodrama. It tells of how a girl of the East End becomes a big film star, and how her happiness is linked with that of a young sailor who is accused of having murdered the girl’s stepmother. The role of the girl is played by Fay Compton, who plays drama and comedy with equal facility. Moore Marriott gives a brilliant performance of Aaron Levinsky, the owner of an East End. clothing store. It is perfect down’ to the last detail and is notable fo. the perfect ease in which Marriott changes from comedy to pathos. John Stuart appears as the girl lover and will be remembered for his work in “Roses of Picardy.” Miles Mander gives a good study of the villain who, for his own ends.- introduces the girl to films. This British Dominions release is now screening at the King’s Theatre.