Films and The Stage.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 264, 3 August 1929, Page 25

Films and The Stage.

Paramount gave the public of Sydney another thrill on Friday, July 5, with the grand opening of the extended season all-talking special “Innocents of Paris,” starring that electric personality, Maurice Chevalier, idol of Paris, and magnet of millions; “Innocents of Paris” is Chevalier’s first talking picture, and from the reception accorded him on the opening night and the days following he is destined to become immensely popular with Australian and New Zealand audiences. Chevalier sings six songs, two in French and four in English. Hitf rendering of “Louise” and “On Top of the World Alojje” are; remarkable for their clarity and intonation. Both should prove extremely popular with vocalists and song lovers.

One of the most popular artists of the Frank O’Brien Revue Company during its recent visit here was Mr. Gordon Norville, a pleasing entertainer with a delightful voice and no slight ability as a dancer. Mr. Norville quickly achieved as great favouritism in Auckland, where the “Revellers” Revue is at present, but unfortunately he Injured his knee during one of his strenuous dances and this necessitates hospital treatment and a few weeks of complete rest.

Sonya Rosova, who has created quite a sensation in Australia by her wonderful dancing in the beautiful J. C. Williamson musical play “The Desert Song,” is described as one of the most finished performers ever seen in Australia. Sonya Rosova prefers classical dancing to eccentric interpretations. She has appeared in two recent productions at the Klaw Theatre in New York. One was the extravaganza “Americana,” and the other "Creoles," a dramatic production. Miss Rosova has had considerable experience in vaudeville.

It Is pleasing to learn that a most comprehensive New Zealand tour has been mapped out for that entrancing musical play “The Desert Song.” The season will open in Wellington on September 10, and will extend to September 28, after which the following cities and towns will be played:—Christchurch, September 30 to October 16; Timaru, October 17 and 18; Dunedin, October 19 to 28; Invercargill, October 29 and 30; Oamaru, October 31; Palmerston North, November 2; Napier, November 4 and 5; Hastings, November 6 and 7; New Plymouth, November 8 and 9; Hawera, November 11; Wanganui, November 12 and 13; Palmerston North, November 14; Hamilton, November 15; Auckland, November 16 to December 5.

Sir James M. Barrie’s famous play “Half an Hour” has been transplanted to the screen under the title “The Doc- ( tor’s Secret,” and is now being presented at the Regent Theatre as an all-talk-ing film.' A notable cast was assembled for the production, which has elicited the highest of praise from film critics, ■ who have pre-viewed the picture. Ruth Chatterton, H. B. Warner, Robert Edeson, and John Loder are the principal characters in the picture, with Wilfred Noy, Ethel Wales, Nancl Price, and Frank Finch-Smiles giving them admirable support.

Following a private screening of “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s screen version of the Pulitzer prize-winning novel, the American Library Association commends this film as one of the finest of recent years and an unusually faithful transcription of an outstanding novel. “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” is due for early release in Australia and New Zealand, and presents Lili Damita, ' Ernest Torrence, Don Alvarado, and Raquel Torres in the principal roles.

For his short season at His Majesty’s Theatre, which commences at a matinee this afternoon, Mr. Allan Wilkie has with him the same cast of players which has made his past Shakespearean seasons here so popular. Miss Hunter-Watts is well known for her excellent work, and the talented supporting artists include Alexander Marsh, Arthur Keane, Milton Sands, John Cairns, Herbert Sheldrick, John Cameron, Lorna Forbes, Mildred Howard, Marjorie Carr and Walter Plinge. A particular feature of the three comedies Mr. Wilkie is presenting, the first of these being “School for Scandal,” is the magnificent costuming of the period, no age being more picturesque in this respect than the days of Goldsmith and Sheridan.

Turned loose on foot, without weapons, five hundred paces in front of a pack of ferocious, bloodthirsty hounds! That is the sentence passed upon Taki, the kindly sheep herder, when he is found guilty of negligence in guarding the tent of Lucia, a beautiful but unhappy promised bride, in “The Cavalier,” the Tiffany-Stahl special production showing at the Queen's Theatre. Taki is portrayed by that intrepid stunt star Richard Talmadge, and it is only one of his identities. When necessary to protect those who have suffered at the hands of the cruel Ramon Torreno, Taki becomes El Caballero —“The Cavalier”—a man who tries to undo the wrongs of others —to relieve the oppressed and the unfortunate. Barbara Bedford plays the role of the bartered bride, whom El Caballero rescues for himself, and David Torrence is the bullying elder Torreno. Others in the cast are Stuart Holmes, Nora Cecil, David Mir, Christian Frank, and Oliver Eckhardt. Irvin Willat directed “The Cavalier” from Max Brand’s novel, “The Black Rider.”

Irene Palastry, famed in several European countries as a musical comedy star, has been signed to play a stellar role in the forthcoming production in Movietone of Oscar Strauss’s latest operetta, “Married in Hollywood.” Miss Palastry has sung the leading roles roles abroad in “Irene,” “The Dollar Princess,” “Lady in Ermine,” . “Sally,” and other musicals.

Raoul Walsh, of “What Price Glory" fame, has had a life-long habit of doing the unconventional. Running true to form, he announced that, practically unknown, an actress has been selected to play the featured role of Olga in “The Cock-eyed World,” sequel to “What Price Glory,” which he has written, and .will direct,

Following is the first of a series of three lessons designed to teach “The Breakaway,” sensational new jazz dance created by Sue Carol in “Fox Movietone Follies of 1929," coming to the De Luxe Theatre shortly. By examining the photographs as you read the text you can learn this fascinating dance in your own home. The steps are danced to the words and music of “The Breakaway,” song hit in “Fox Follies,” written by Con Conrad, Sid Mitchell and Archie Gottler. Clip these lessons and save them. (1) Stamp left foot, stamp right, stamp left, assuming position shown in photograph. Then rotate right hand, forefinger pointed, in a small circle from left to right. This movement is completed with both feet on the floor,/ both hands raised, arms bent at the elbow, (la) The second movement is a reverse of the first series, stamping the right foot first, then the left, then the right, finishing in the same manner. The first movement is then repeated, concluding with the rotary movement of the right hand as described. (2) Turn rapidly to the side position, shown in the photograph, on the right foot. Bend left leg at knee and bend left arm over the head. Stamp left foot from this position and move left arm in unison. This movement is done six times. Turn quickly on left foot to original position in No. 1 and repeat it. (3) Completing the foregoing movement, hands with forefingers pointed, move to the right of the body, the middle and left. (3a) Then stamp left foot, stamp right, stamp left, repeating three times as spread hands are moved rapidly from left to right and upward. Completing that movement, repeat No. la described under the first photograph. Repeat No. 2, completing this movement with the left hand over the head, the right hand extended down to an angle to the body. (Second lesson will appear next Saturday.)

The great dramatic actor, Emil Jannings, who met with such wonderful success in Hollywood, has arrived back in Germany, where he was given a marvellous reception at the UFA Palace in Berlin. Jannings made a short speech from the stage after “Variety” had been shown. He mentioned the honours he had received in America, but did not conceal the fact that there was a different mentality over there, and that he had met with difficulties. He ended with the remark that his art was deeply rooted in Germany and that he was glad to be back. While in Germany he will star in a big talkie production, to be produced by Erich Pominer for U.F.A. Carl Zuckmayer, the dramatist, is writing the script.

With the advent of the “talkies,” Pauline Frederick has stepped into new popularity in her first big ail-talk-ing picture, ‘On Trial,” a Warner Bros, production, which is to be released in New Zealand shortly. Both on the stage and on the silent screen, Miss Frederick has revealed her talent as an emotional actress, but on the talking screen she makes a vivid impression, her voice reproducing excellently. Associated in the cast with her are Bert Lytell, and Lois Wilson, who give excellent portrayals of their respective roles. The plot is very well sustained, and in its poignant appeal is calculated to grip, in breathless expectancy, the most cynical critic.

“School for Scandal,” which is to be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre, is a delicious satire on society of the 18th century, when dazzling fashion was at its height and romantic intrigues were the order of the day. Miss Hunter-Watts will take the part of Lady Teazle, the unfortunate young country girl married to a rich baronet many years her senior (a rqle played excellently by Allan Wilkie), round whom the tale revolves, with a tender affaire du coeur between her husband’s pretty ward, Marie, and his impecunious nephew Charles, to provide a delicate flavouring of romance.

Bertha Riccardo, leading woman in “Draeula,” which will shortly come to New Zealand, is a native of South Africa, and appeared in that country first of all in Repertory Theatre plays. Later she established a reputation for herself with the Bandman Musical Comedy in India. After playing in Melbourne and Sydney in musical comedies Miss Riceardo was selected by J. C. Williamson Ltd. for the title role in “Rose Marie” with the firm’s touring company, in which she was very successful.

Clara Bow, Paramount star, further established her claim as the most popular motion-picture actress, by winning the annual movie popularity contest just completed by the “New York Daily News.” Nancy Carroll, also a Paramount star, and the only new cinema actress in the list of ten voted on in the “Daily News” poll, won fifth place with a total of 3486 votes. Miss Bow, who less than a year ago, won a contest sponsored by the “Exhibitor’s Herald” to determine the best box office attraction among feminine stars of Hollvwood, led the new contest with 18,063 votes, 3511 ahead of her nearest rival, Greta Garbo. The winner first entered the movies as the result of a beauty contest, and almost immediately her stardom was undisputed. The competitors, in the order of their popularity, are as follow: Clara Bow, 18,063; Greta Garbo, 14,552; Joan Crawford, 5757; Vilma Banky, 3553; Nancy Carroll, 3486; Mary Pickford, 3168; Dolores Del Rio, 3031; Dolores Costello, 3011; Janet Gaynor, 2893; Colleen Moore, 2892.

When “The Desert Song,” the big J. C. Williamson musical production, comes to New Zealand next month, it will have one of the strongest casts ever sent to New Zealand by this enterprising firm. The company now playing in Australia is admitted to be one of the very best, and is strong in all departments. The scenery is described as magnificent, and the settings and general mounting are simply gorgeous. “The Desert Song” will possess more than the usual attraction for New Zealanders by reason of the fact that this beautiful musical play will have Lance Fairfax, a New Zealander by birth, in the fine singing role of the Red Shadow. The Wellington season opens on September 10.

American and British-made talking pictures may eventually establish the English language as the world's tongue. Hundreds of theatres in England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and in Asia as well as Europe, will soon be equipped for sound-film production. The vision of English as the universal language through the agency of the screen is brought back from abroad by Jesse L. Lasky, first vice-president of Paramount in charge of production. Lasky went to Europe to study the talking picture situation. The theory has been advanced by others. Lasky’s statement deserves consideration because it is the result of his personal survey and the first one he has made regarding the future of the talking picture abroad.

Finger-prints have solved many mysteries, both in real life and in picture. One of the most unusual uses of them on the screen is found in “Trent’s Last Case,” Fox Film, where the tell-tale impressions of a dead man’s fingers on the keys of a typewriter lead to the detection of his murderer. This is part of the absorbing climax of the film, which is said by critics to be one of the finest mystery tales ever shown in pictures, and which is now on view at the King’s atre. An all-star cast, including such popular favourites as Raymond Hat ton, Donald Crisp, Raymond Griffith, Marceline Day, Lawrence Gray and Nicholas Soussanin, is another feature of the production, and one that contributes largely to its excellence as screen entertainment.

Bessie Lyle has been selected by Paramount to replace Louise Beavers for the part of Consuelo in “Illusion,” audible picturisation of the latest best seller novel by Arthur Train. "Illusion,” a story of metropolitan life as viewed through the eyes of a young magician who is accepted by society, features Charles (Buddy) Rogers and Nancy Carroll in leading roles.

The ever-popular screen comedy team, Cohen and Kelly, who have broken out into noise, dialogue, arguments, and repartee, are now being heard here in “The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City” at the Paramount Theatre. George Sidney is again the featured star in the latest of this laughable Universal series. Vera Gordon, Mack Swain, and Kate Price play the other featured roles, while Nora Lane and Cornelius Keefe have the romantic roles. William J. Craft directed the picture, much of which actually was taken at Atlantic City. All of the principals are popular screen figures with long stage experience. Their dialogue is well delivered and their voices pleasing. Sidney especially, remembered as a leading stage comedian of a decade

and more a go, is in his element in talking pictures. The squabbles of the business partners, Cohen and Kelly, and their wives, makes hilarious comedy unusually suited to talk-film presentation. In this picture they are in the bathing suit business. How they stage a £2OOO bathing beauty contest at Atlantic City against their will makes an interesting story, full of funny situations.

E. Barrington, the author of the novel upon which “The Divine Lady,” First National’s epic production is based, exchanged photographs with Corinne Griffith, who portrays the starring role of Lady Hamilton, after she had seen the picture version of her book. Mrs. Barrington wrote the following inscription on the back of her photograph:. "To Coripne. Griffith, the Divine Lady of the screen, the only motion picture actress as beautiful as Lady Hamilton, and the one who above all others, would have been my choice to interpret the Charm, the wisdom, the weakness and the strength, the true feminity, the very heart and soul of the celebrated Emma Hart, so dear to my own.” • “The Divine Lady” is the biggest production First National has made this year, and tells a dramatic story of Britain’s sea battles of a century ago, which is epic in its sweep.

It Is fitting Indeed that Ronald 04man’s first all-talking picture should be “Bulldog Drummond.” The fact of the well-known story being essentially English renders that fact the more pleasing in that Colman himself, though he has been constantly engaged in American productions, is an Englishman. In selecting this well-known and vastly-popular star for the role of Captain Drummond, producer Samuel Goldywn not only chose a personality built for the part, as it were, but obtained in addition that indispensable asset—a “screen voice.” The very first lines spoken by Colman in the picture at once denote the cultured Englishman, and thereafter the quality of the voice, whether merged in lovemaking or in the many tensely

dramatic passages, never once variee, So much was revealed at a recent private screening of the picture, in whldt the memorable supporting character* are portrayed by Joan Bennett. Lilyan Tashman, and Montagu Love with rare realism. One hears objections raised against the talkies, and for the most part “twang” and unsuitable “scree* voices” are held to blame. But *o long as productions of the “Bulldog Drummond” standard are made available there is nothing to fear In regard to the future of the speaking screen. United Artists advise that “Bulldog Drummond” will be made available for early release.

After seeing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’a sensational production, “The Broadway Melody,” which is to be seen at the Regent Theatre shortly, the managing editor of the “Daily Guardian.” Sydney, wrote: “Congratulations on your wonderful all-talkie, ‘The Broadway Melody.’ While I generally do not express opinions of individual pictures, ‘The Broadway Melody’ was so impressive that I feel compelled to write this. Charles King, Bessie Love, and Anita Page are the stars of this truly revolutionary picture.