Film and the Stage

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 180, 27 April 1929, Page 22

Film and the Stage

Several of the artists who appear in prominent roles in “The Patsy,” the J. 0. Williamson comedy which has broken the record put up by '‘Peg o’ My Heart” and is now being presented to New Zealand audiences, were specially imported by J. C. Williamson for their respective parts.'A. g. Byron and Sam Wren have pleased New Zealand audiences: with their high" standard work.’ They express delight at the up-to-dateness of Australian and New Zealand cities,;which (considering the population) fhey describe as “simply marvellous."

Irene{ Homer’S philosophy in the record-breaking comedy “The Patsy,” is of the brand that between laughter and tears. She. says many things in her inimitable way, and they appeal to all classes. And that typifies the sort, of play “The Patsy” is—laughter and tears intermingled most skilfully and artistically, with “the sweetest:story ever told on the stage.”. This delightful little comedy is now being played in New Zealand to crowded and delighted houses. It has been one of the most outstanding successes of the-decade.

A rural . comedy drama such as “Widdeeombe Fair” happens to be, should not fail to meet with universal approval. “Pictorially the picture surpasses 1 any American, Continental, or British picture made to-day.” This is the -unanimous verdict of the entire British Press of’the. latest British International picture, “Widdeeombe Fair,”, and which was adapted from Eden Phillpots’s successful novel.

Madame Tussaud’s'itself and its farfamed wax inhabitants will be the real stars of a new English film entitled “The Chamber of Horrors.” It is to be,made by Captain Walter Summers, whose “Mons” and “Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands” everyone remembers, and who more recently made a brilliant realistic film drama, “The Lost Patrol,” not yet seen publicly. A very large part of “The Chamber of Horrors” will actually be taken in Madame Tussaud’s, for the authorities have promised every possible help.

Following fast upon enthusiastic receptions of-the rituch-discussed picture, “Dawn,” at Paris, comes the cabled news of the triumph it achieved at Melbourne on the occasion of its Australian premiere at Hoyt’s new Regent Theatre. The first week’s receipts, constituted a record, and the reception accorded the film was “extraordinary in its fervour.” “Dawn" has now been shown in every part of the British Empire with the exception of New Zealand?

His resemblance to the great idol of the French people won Otto Mattiesen the role of the Emperor in Arthur Caesar’s celebrated one-act play, “Napoleon's Barber,” when it was produced before the footlights. Recently when Fox made a movietone all-dialogue version of the play, Mattiesen enacted the role before the camera. “Napoleon’s Barber”, will be released by Fox Movietone. Ltd., at an early date.

Reginald Denny, star of the Universal production “Clear the Decks,” which is now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, portrays the role of a ro-mance-seeking young man who must pose as a neurotic and take a sea voyage in order to become better acquainted with the lady of his choice, This is undoubtedly one of the best portrayals Denny has given to the screen for some, years, and calls to mind some of those hilarious comedies that made Denny famous, ’ The girl in the case is Olive Hasbrouck, who provides a charming foil for Denny’s love-making, .while Lucien Littlefield, in the role of a bespectacled and fastidious male nurse, and Otis Harlan, the imaginative and nervous fat member of a trio of international jewel thieves, both contribute a happy amount of comedy to the production. Colette Merton and Robert Anderson are the other members of the gang of thieves, and make Denny’s existence a jtmrden on the sea voyage. All in all, “Clear the Decks” is a screen attraction that “spells” hilarious comedy right from the start to finish, and one that is calculated to provide an hour or so of keen appreciable enjoyment to even the most discerning picture patron.

The first pictures reproduced through Western Electric equipment were shown in Auckland, commencing on Thursday last at the Regent and the Strand Theatre. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, “The Bellamy Trial,” was the feature chosen to be the opening film at the Regent Theatre, and this is the first dialogue picture to be i screened in the Dominion. Tremendous houses have been drawn, and record receipts have been the order at this theatre. “The Bellamy Trial” is a stirring film, and every word" spoken by the principals is plainly heard by the audience. The short features shown in conjunction with this film ha.Ve also come in for very high praise, and included amongst these are Joseph . Regan, the worldfamous Irish tenor, items by Ella Shields, the male impersonator, and items at the piano by Vincent Lopez, the leading American orchestra leader. This programme will be'shown at the Regent Theatre, Wellington, later, when the Western Electric equipment is installed. This- equipment is the same as is used in the leading theatres throughout the world, and the results obtained are absolutely astounding. The pictures which will follow the “Bellamy Trial” at the Regent The-* 5 atre, Auckland, and which will also be screened in Wellington in due course, are “White Shadows in the South Seas,” a sound synchronised film which is now shattering all records at the Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney, and “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” a dialogue picture starring William Haines.

The “Daily Chronicle,” London, says, in a .criticism of “Mumsie”-: “An emotional masterpiece. Pauline Frederick, as ‘Mumsie,’ is magnificent.” This outstanding British production, which is being released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, will be seen this week at the Regent Theatre, Wellington.

Interesting indeed have been the experiences of Guy Routh, who plays the important part of Horace Skeet in the sensational, drama “The Wrecker,” which comes to New Zealand next month, tie was on the stage when war broke out, and immediately joined the colours, serving with the British Expeditionary Forces in France and Belgium. At the conclusion of hostilities he returned to the stage, and was chosen for one of the big parts in J. C.‘Carlyle’s war drama “Faithless.” He was associated with Fred Terry and Julia Neilson, playing leading character roles. One of his favourite characters is Armand in “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife.” He was also in the cast of “Three Wise Fools,” and “The Last of Mrs. Cheney,” and played the important part of Aleric in the big London revival of “Peg o’ My Heart.”

Following the return of Nellie Stewart to the scenes of her former sensational triumphs in Australia, manyNew Zealanders are asking when this wonderful artiste will appear in New Zealand. When “Sweet Nell”- made her re-appearance at Adelaide the audience simply rose to its feet and cheered and cheered again. Miss Stewart opened the Melbourne season last Saturday. Associated with the operatic and musical comedy star is a specially selected company, including Sidney Stirling, Charles Lawrence, Lionel Darnley, Frederick Hughes, Robert Ginns, Janies B. Atholwood, Marie Eaton, and many others. As to when Nellie Stewart and company will visit New Zealand we learn that no definite dates have yet been fixed. “The Doctor’s Secret,” a Paramount all-talking production, received its Australasian premiere at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, on April 6. It is the first of the weekly Paramount talkie releases. H. B. Warner, John Loder, Ruth Chatterton, Ethel Wales, Robert Edeson and Wilfrid Noy head the cast “Many people have the idea that most of the fierce black tribes which inhabit the continent of Africa are cannibals,” says Merian Cooper, who, with Ernest B. Schoedsack, spent a year in the wildernesses of the Soudan filming scenes for the Paramount picture, “The Four Feathers.” “This is pot so in the case of the war-like tribes of the Soudan, whom Kipling immortalised as the Fuzzy-Wuzzys,” continues Mr. Cooper. “Rather are they vegetarians, for they rarely touch meat. Among the Fuzzy-Wuzzys we employ-

ed by the thousand the chief food was a coarse grain mush. That mush, or grain patties, sour goat or camel milk and coffee, form the'chief part of their, regular diet. Once every ten days or two weeks, they eat meat, generally ■wild pig, mountain goat or- game birds.” The English scenes of “The Four Feathers,” which is adapted from the well-known tale by A. E. W. Mason, have- been produced in. Paramount’s Hollywood studios with a cast headed by Richard Arlen, Fay Wray, Clive Brook, William Powell and Noah’ Beery.

“West of Zanzibar,” a Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer production, with Lon Chaney as the sinister “Dead Legs Flint,” paralysed “white voodoo” of a savage African tribe, is the attraction at the Regent Theatre. The new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, a grim drama of primtive emotions in a wild jungle, shows Chaney in one of the most remarkable of his roles, that of a former stage magician who, paralysed in a fight with the man who stole his wife’s love, follows his enemy into the Dark Continent, using his magic to terrorise and rule savages and to wreak a terrible revenge. The dramatic climax of the story is one of the most gripping denouements literature has ever produced, and through it all runs a delicate romance, this being enacted by Mary Nolan, as the magician’s daughter, and Warner Baxter, a renegade physician in the jungles, who finds regeneration in her love. Lionel Barrymore plays the enemy whom Chaney relentlessly pursues, and Kalla Pasha, Roscoe Ward, Jane Daly, and others of note are in the supporting cast.. Tod Browning, responsible for “The Unholy Three,” “The Road to Mandalay,” and otheroutstanding Chaney hits, directed the new production.

Characterised as the companion picture to “Wings,” Paramount’s great epic ’of the air, “The Legion of the Condemned,” another story of the war from the standpoint of the aviator, comes to the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next. Here is a picture that differs entirely in story content from the famous road show, but in colour, romance, characterisation and downright thrills, “The Legion of the Condemned” has taken its place right up alongside the famous production which played such a sensational season in Wellington some months ago. The tale is from the pen of John Monk. Saunders, who . -wrote “Wings.” The direction is carried out by William Wellman, who is also responsible for ’’Wings.” The cast includes/ Fay Wray, Gary Cooper, Lane Chandler, and Barry Norton (of' 1 “What Price Glory?”)

‘ The famous .Swedish, star, Lars Hanson, has been chosen by British International Pictures to play the role of "The Informer,” which is adapted for'the screen from Liam O’Flaherty’s novel of the same name.

Captain Frank Hurley, explorer and producer, who crashed in attempting to beat Hinkler’s time flying from Australia to England, is now in London finalising arrangements to make two pictures in the South Seas for a British company. He will probably be accompanied by Walter H. B. Sully as kinematographer when he returns. ,

John D. O’Hara, well remembered in “Lightnin’,” is living in retirement at St. Hilda, Melbourne. He put his savings into real estate.

Much' abused and generally discredited as a musical instrument, the hybrid concertina proves its price-' less value in "Captain Lash,” Fox film starring Victor McLaglen, shown for the first time in Wellington at the Queen’s Theatre yesterday to large and immensely pleased audiences. In the screen story McLaglen, in the title role of fifth engineer on an ocean liner, has for a constant pal Cocky, a smallsized sailor, played by Clyde Cook. Lash, off duty, either is fighting or making love, and each pastime is fraught with danger, especially in the eyes of his faithful companion. Always Cocky hovers in the background with his concertina, and when war clouds gather he plays “The Campbells are Coming,” which is a cue to Lash that there is trouble in the offing. The most important incidents of “Captain Lash” take place aboard an ocean liner travelling from Sydney to Singapore. Lash saves Claire Windsor, a beautiful adventuress, from serious injury byscalding steam, and he becomes infatuated with her. Knowing this, she tricks him into taking off the ship a valuable package of jewels which she has stolen. Her effort to get the jewels back when the ship lands at Singapore createst many lively scenes.

To alter his facial expression so convincingly as to render himself unrecognisable even to his own sweetheart was the tremendous task which confronted Rod La Rocque during the filming of “Gigolo,” his latest De Mille picture production, which is now screening at the Strand Theatre. La Rocque, in the starring of “Gid.” a wealthy American youth, after joining the Lafayette Escardrille in France, is injured in action during the war, and his face mutilated. He has it made over by plastic surgery, and later in Paris at the Cafe Marignys, where he reigns as king of the “gigolos,” the name given to professional dancing partners, he dances with his boyhood sweetheart, who is touring Europe with her parents. At first she fails to recognise him, owing to his changed appearance, and it is only his personality, which he cannot conceal, that serves to reveal his identity to her. Then follows a series of highly thrilling events. “Gigolo” was written by Edna Ferber, the famous novelist. Featured in the supporting cast are Jobyna Ralston and Louise Dresser, while Cyril Chadwick, George Nichols, and Sally Rand have important roles.

Nine pictures in one year, with leads in eight of them, is probably a record. It is held by Sue Carol, who has been given a leading role in “Girls Gone Wild,” now being made by Fox Films.

To those for whom the broad fatuous style of comedy has little appeal, the delightfully restrained humour of Bert Lee, light comedian with the “Revellers” at His Majesty’s Theatre, will find instant favour. He has a flair for quietly effective comedy work, alid his every number is received riotously. Perhaps there is something in heredity, for Mr. Lee’s uncle was the oncefamous Whit Cunliffe, an English laughter-maker with a wide reputation. It was from this uncle that Mr. Lee got his first theatrical instruction, and npw he carries well the torch handed on to him by his distinguished instructor and relation.

Wiunington Barnes, one of the company vhicb toured New Zealand in “The Masinerader,” “The Green Goddess.” and “The Bad Man,” died some weeks ago in London. The success of the present London revival jf “Chu Chin Chow,” with Oscar Asehe in his original role, is shown in the fact that in 17 days the attendance totalled 45.000.

Lon Chaney, master of mystery roles, stages digital mysteries by performing sleight of hand illusions of famous magicians, including the trick of eating fire, in “West of Zanzibar,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s grim drama of the African jungles, —hich is now being shown at the Regent Theatre, Wellington.- This production shows Chans' in one of the most remarkable of his roles, that of a former stage magician, who, paralysed in a fight with the man who stole his wife’s love,

follows his enemy into the Dark Continent, using his magic to terrorise and rule savages and to wreak a terrible revenge. The dramatic climax of the story is one of the.most gripping denouements literature has ever produced, and through it all runs a delicate romance, this thread being carried by Mary Nolan, as the magician’s daughter, and Warner Baxter a renegade physician in the jungles, who finds regeneration in her love.

British Dominions Films, Ltd. re- . ceived a cable message from its London . representatives announcing the inyention of a new “talkie” production machine, which, it is claimed, will reproduce from any kind of film. It is stated that the invention will overcome the difficulty caused by the inability of reproducing apparatus to reproduce from various types of “talkie” films. The new machine is said to be able to reproduce from silent or talking films, irrespective of make and type. . Already the Gaumont Film Company

has .inounced it will install this system in 400 houses. The price, it is said, will be lower than any other system now on the market. A later cable announced that the first equipment has been shipped, and will arrive in Australia on June 21. It is interchangeable, and will take disc oY sound on films methods of reproduction. The first ‘talkies” and synchronised pictures coming to British Dominion Films are “The Wrecker,” “Balaclava,” and “The Lady of the Lake.”

The title of Janet Gaynor’s new Dutch picture, “Christina,” was chosen out of international deference. While it was being produced Fox Film Corporation asked its Holland manager to send a list of typical Dutch names. This came, with the information that the name “Christina” was both the most typical and popular, and it was accordingly affixed to the film.

Although the director contrives to keep the onlooker interested in the story, it is Anna May Wong’s unforgettable acting' that really matters in British International’s latest picture, ‘■Show Life,” shortly to be released by Kinema Art Films. Whether it be a dramatic situation, a pathetic scene, or a touch of comedy, she makes each episode a perfect study, and with it all is a fascinating suggestion of Eastern mystery both in her movements and in her appearance. Few actresses can make their eyes mean so much. In a little while Miss Wong will no doubt be as popular in her own particular roles as Sessue Hayakawa was in his.

.Warwick Deeping, the famous author of ‘‘Sorrell and Son,” who has co-operated in the production of “Kitty,” the latest British International picture, shortly to be released by Kinema Art Films, says: “My book has ’been picturised with unusual respect to its author’s feelings, and no trouble or expense has been spared by the director in his efforts to bring the story to the screen in its correct atmosphere.” “Kitty,” which was produced amidst the picturesque and natural settings of one of the most charming beauty spots on the banks of the River Thames, stars Estelle Brody and John, Stuart

“The Girl on the Barge,” the new Universal talking picture now being shown at the King’s Theatre, is a colourful epic of canal boat life, and was actually photographed along the Champlain ship .canal In Upper New York State. The scenery is beautiful and the action true to life as the coal barge which forms the setting for most of the : action is pulled slowly along the canal by a powerful tugboat. Jean Hersholt is the star, with Sally O’Neil and Malcolm .MacGregor as the featured players. Edward Sloman directed it. The picture has plenty of punch. Mary Nolan, one of the newest and most beautiful blonde actresses in the Hollywood film colony, spent much of her girlhood in an orphanage. Miss Nolan is playing an important role in “Silks and Saddles,” a Universal picture, now showing at the King’s' Theatre. Marian Nixon is cast in the starring role and Richard Walling plays opposite her. Robert F. Hill directed and the stellar supporting company includes Otis Harlan, Sam DeGrasse, Montagu Love, Claire Mac-Dowell, David Torrence. Johnny Fox, jun., and Hayden Stevenson. Leo Birinski has completed the adaptation of Sir Philip Gibbs’s "The Bargain *in the Kremlin” for Paul Leni, and J. G. Hawks is now working on the continuity for Universal.- i

Jack Buchanan, the famous musical comedy star, is shortly to appear on the silver sheet in the latest British International comedy melodrama, entitled “Toni,” from the pen of the well-known author and playwright, Douglas Furber.- Jack Buchanan, who is a perfect type of Englishman, is also an extremely fine athlete, and in “Toni" his prowess has been used to the full, as the story contains fastmoving incidents from beginning to end. However, apart from his athletic powers he is also a brilliant comedian and provides innumerable laughs and thrills as the young man who assumes the identity of a famous detective. The production of "Toni” was 'from the capable hands of the well-known English producer, Arthur Maude, who had tremendous Hollywood experience, and whose recent production, “Poppies of Flanders,” created a sensation in London and abroad. Kinema Art Films are releasing “Toni” shortly.

Miss Phyllis Fuller, the daughter of John Fuller, returned recently from London after a three years’ absence from Sydney. Miss Fuller.proved herself extremely useful to her busy father while in England by visiting almost everv type of theatrical entertainment and informing him of-their respective merits.

This week sees a departure from the usual run of things at His Majesty’s Theatre, with . the production of “Khaki,” a full-part revue, occupying the whole of the second half of the programme. "Khaki” is au hilarious tale of the adventures of a company of men from the time war is declared in 1914 to the Armistice. NO funnier war sketch has ever been played here — of that the audience, at the first presentation last night is quite sure. Frank O’Brian'provides most of the fun, as befits the chief comedian, but he receives adequate support from the rest of the company. “Khaki” will be repeated during next week, giving all a chance of witnessing this gayly incongruous farce of the Great War. “Redemption,” a screen version of Tolstoi”s famous Russian drama, will be John Gilbert’s first talking picture. Fred Niblo, the director of “Ben Hur,” will direct the star in his second Tolstoi picture, Gilbert having appeared before, with Miss Greta Garbo, in the screen version of “Anna Karenina.” Mulino von Kluck, granddaughter of the German general whose advance on Paris was checked by Foch at the Marne, has become a film actress. Her first part will be in a film about Germany’s liberation from the grip of Na-ioleon. She will, she says, never visit Paris.

William Worthington, noted director and actor, has been selected by Universal to play an important role in "The Climax,” Universal’s forthcoming production of the famous stage play of that name. It will be a talking picture, with Jean Hersholt in the leading role, and will be directed by Renaud Hoffman, with Carl Laemmle, jun., supervising. The story concerns a beautiful opera singer, who loses her voice, but later regains it to sing a vital song.. This song will be the theme song of the picture, and a special composition, “I Adore You,” has been written for the production by Victor Schertsif. The announcement of the female lead for the picture is expected shortly. Many voice tests now are being made for this part.

In a newspaper interview In Melbourne before her departure for England, Miss Margaret Bannerman expressed the opinion that the rampant .sentimentalism of American plays was tending to keep Australian audiences in swaddling clothes as regards appreciation of subtler, better work. Miss Bannerman expressed a hope of again visiting Australia, with a series of plays "having a heart tug in every line.”

“Fazil," Fox Films production, entered its second week at the Paramount Theatre yesterday. It proved to be a colourful romance in which the old customs and traditions of Araby cannot find a harmonious blend with those of the effete Parisienne. It is always interesting, often exciting, and the settings and costumes dazzle the eye with their splendour. Charles Farrell has the role of “Fazil,” a prince of Araby whose swift lovemaking wins a French beauty. They marry and are briefly happy, but she will not adhere to the Arabian customs concerning women, and he leaves her. She cannot, live without him, and follows him to his domain, where he forces her to follow the laws of his country. Upon discovering that he has a harem in the palace, she in turn, contrives to escape. At the end of many thrilling scenes that follow, they find eternal happiness in a startling and unforgettable manner. Farrell’s impersonation of the sheik is at once amusing, arresting and delightful. It is a role vastly different from his roles in “Seventh Heaven” and “Street Angel” and proves his versatility. Greta Nissen has never appeared to better advantage than in the role of the French girl. Others excellently cast are Mae Busch, John Boles, John T. Murray and Tyler Brooke.

Benny Rubin, until recently the master of ceremonies at the Colony Theatre, New York, has arrived in Calii\. '..ia to commence production on his series of sound pictures entitled "Hysterical History/’ Rubin will supervise the direction of the series and will play the principal role. Eddie Kane, of vaudeville fame, wil Iplay the role of-the school teacher in the first'one. Jack Foley, who has written several Glenn Tryon farces, will make his bow as a director.