“BAGDAD OF BALLYHOO”

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 29, 28 October 1932, Page 16

“BAGDAD OF BALLYHOO”

TTOLLYWOOD is still striving to keep x up the pretence that “everything’s gonna be all right” (writes Cedric Belfrage in the “Sunday Express”). In spite of the presence of those two old bores, the Generals Depression and Overhead, the brave little people who make talkies for the world hare just managed to stage what is described as “the most brilliant picture opening in Hollywood history.” Grauinan’s Chinese Theatre, the scene of these festivities, is the only remaining “first-run” cipema in the “Bagdad of Ballyhoo.” For the first public screening of thetalkie version of Engene O’Neill’s fivehour dramatic marathon. “Strange Interlude.” “Sid” Grauman, Hollywood’s pet “super .showman,” put forth every “ballyhoo” device in his repertoire. Never has the American mob been worked into such a lather in the sweet cause of film publicity. Although all available policemen were on the spot the crowds were so great that they were unmanageable. Dozens of people were crushed, clothes were torn, shop windows were broken. Policemen laid about them with clubs, and a boy

Marie Dressier’s next picture will be “Prosperity.” in which she plays tlie role of a woman bank president. Polly Moran shares the comedy honours.

was ruu over. Impoverished stars got their ermine wraps out of “hock” for the occasion. Norma Shearer, the star of the picture, rolled up in a “fleshtoned mousselline de soie with a deep border of fluted ruffles.” Marion Davies sported a fetching •'shell pink ensemble with pebble crepe jacket,” while Jean Harlow was attired in “maize crepe.” One after another the girls spoke their little piece into the microphone—the celebrated “So glad to-be here, it’s just too marvellous” stuff. Then up spake Mary Pickford, while Norma Shearer stood nearby smiling sweetly at her. “I know.” said Mary, “that after this picture the academy will award the trophy for tho best acting of the year to Norma Talmadgc.”