English, Australian and American Film Successes

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 70, 15 December 1933, Page 21 (Supplement)

English, Australian and American Film Successes

THE' STATE THEATRE . - : Christmas 'Attraction THE GOOD COMPANIONS” 'pilE Fox Film Corporation, which are also handling Gamnont British productions in New . Zealand, have a most attractive list of films to release at the new State Theatre, Wellington in the near future. Chief among these is the Gaumont British attraction, “The Good Companions,” said to be one of the finest films ever screened. This will be the Christmas and opening attraction at the State Theatre. Familiarity is said to breed contempt, but like all trite sayings, that does not always hold true. Familiarity with the free and easy companionship of travellers will most certainly breed no contempt for the characters of J. B. Priestley’s novel, “The Good Companions,” whether-you meet them between the covers of the book or on the screen. Only those who have travelled the road, either on holiday or business, who have met and formed lasting friendships with other travellers, who have shared the joys and sorrows of fellow travellers who, but for a short while together, have been absolute strangers—none but these can fully appreciate the depth of sincerity that lies? in Priestley’s characterisations. None but they can realise the truth and-knowledge of human psychology that the author has poured into his story, but everyone with a normal share of human understanding will love every, character for the sympathetic companionship that is the dominant factor in his, or her, being. ‘‘The Good Companions,” from whom the book and film get their name, are ten- varied people; six pierrots of a stranded concert-party troupe. a Yorkshire carpenter, a young Cambridge, graduate, an American banjoplayer, and. a charming spinster of thirty. ; To this variegated assortment of people,, comes tiie true happiness that rises from helping one another, from sinking all thought of self into the greater thought of unity, and from the good companionship from whence came their name—that is inherent in .all people and brought to light by the necessity; of joining forces. Their story will be a tale of pleasure to all who see it in its screen form; alitiiiniiinniiiiiiitiiiniiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMHtiiitiiiHuiiiiiiii

' ready; '■-■ unnumbered thousands have read the novel, for it Is even now in its thirteenth edition, and well past the three hundred thousand copies mark. To all who see the film .it will bring a sense of longing—a-longing to join in the hearty good comradeship that ’ this strangely comprised and founded party finds its greatest strength and its dearest possession. t Jessie Matthews, the Gaumont-Bri-tish star, whose screen talent has been J so widely recognised since her success , in the Gainsborough-British-Lion pic--1 ture, “There Goes the Bride,” and who ‘ stars in “The Good Companions,” is one of the most popular actresses ■ in England to-day. j , She is one of a large family, who were ’ not blessed with a super-abundance of this,world’s goods. She went to a council school in Sohp, and to this day visits, at intervals, the place where she ’ readily admits she learned the three “r’s”. ' '■ After dancing’ lessons she went on the stage, playing juvenile roles, and since’that day has not once looked back. Her first big chance came in Andre Chariot’s revue. C. B. Cochran believed in her, and put her in one of his West End productions. Later she went to America, scoring an’ unqualified success. Before her rise to screen fame she had a brilliant West End career. Among her more recent successes were “There Goes the Bride,” “This Year of Grace,” and “Hold My Hand.’.’ Other features to-be screened at the State Theatre include:— “Berkeley Square” Heralded as one of the year’s outstanding films, “Berkeley Square,” a Fox release, features that popular star Leslie Howard. The theme of the film, as it takes a young man of to-day back 150 years into the life of his ancestors, has already aroused more comment than did the John L. Balderston play from which’ it was taken. It is a theme of so unusual a nature that its skilful handling makes it a distinct cinematic pleasure. “Soldiers of the King” Laughter is the keynote of every film in which Cicely Courtneidge plays, and “Soldiers of the King,”, which’ GaumonLßritish is releasing, is no exception from the rale. In fact, it is one of the funniest pictures that have been shown -in this district for many a day ! - IMlHlllHtf'lhltlilllHMlliltllipllllllllllllllHtlflllUlllllllllKtllltlMlH

Tim;tit'..' is rather receptive, for it is not’by any means a war or army picture. From beginning to end it is one continuous scream, a burlesque on the lives of a troupe of theatrical artists, and tire-title is derived from the fact that tiie song, “Soldiers of the King,” is one of their chief numbers. Cicely Courtneidge, who has costarred witli her husband, Jack llul- . bert. in most of his comedies, plays the dual roles of Maisle Marvello and her mother, Jennie. Marvello. “My Weakness.” B. G. I)e Sylva’s production of "My Weakness,” his first “one-man” musical for Fox Film, with Lilian Harvey and Lew Ayres its his stars, is a particularly bright show. De Sylva is the author of the story, collaborator on the screen play and songs as well as the producer. ’ In addition to the famous Continental star, Lilian Harvey, and Ayres, the cast includes’ Charles Butterworrn, Harry Langdon, Sid Silvers, Henry Travers, Irene Bentley, Adrian Bosley, Dixie Frances, Irene Ware. Barbara Weeks, Susan Fleming, Mary Howard, daughter of Will Rogers, and a group'of Hollywood’s most beautiful girls. ' i “Waltz Time.” 2VII too seldom have operettas, been presented on the screen; far too seldom when one considers that, with the wider scope and pictorial magic of the audible screen, they may be presented with greater fidelity to atmosphere than any stage could ever hope to show them. For this reason, the -iniiounccincnt that tiie Gaumont-British film operetta “Waltz Time”—adaptation by A. P. ’Herbert, of ■ Johann Strauss’s “Die Fledermans”—is to he screened, should meet with popular approval. The stellar role, that of a young wife who sets out to teach her irresponsible, philandering husband a lesson, is played by the idol of English and New York stages, Evelyn Layf. Other Releases Other films to be released ftt tiie ’ State Theatre will be “Caroline” (Fox), witli Janet Gaynor and Lionel Barrymore; “Fox Movietone Follies”; “I Was a Spy” (Gaumont British), with Madeline Carroll, Conrad Veidt. Herbert Marshall and Sir Gerald Du Maurier; and “Falling for You,” a musical comedy, featuring Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge. It is a Gaumont British production.

“THE HAYSEEDS”

Australian Success BRILLIANT PREMIERE «■ Acclaimed as the greatest film ever produced in Australi.-i, Beaumont Smith’s “Hayseeds,” which was recently completed at the Cinesound Studios,” Rushc-utiers Bay, Sydney, was given a most brilliant premiere at the King’s Cross Theatre, Darlinghurst, on December 8. The film was screened in the presence of a large and distinguish ed audience, inc)tiding the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Sydney.. Tiie screening was an amazing success. A cable received .by the .1. C. Williamson Picture Corporatiou, who will "handle the film in New Zealand, described the enormous success of tiie gala performance, and went on to state that on the opening day the theatre was packed to capacity at all sessions by the most demonstrative audiences. The Press criticisms were most enthusiastic. The cast of this popular comedy is headed by Cecil Kellaway,. who is well known to New Zealand theatre audiences. Others in the show are Katie Towers, Phyllis Steadman, Brian Kellaway. Tai Ordell, Sam Tolhurst, Kenneth Brampton, who is also well known

in New Zealand ; Shirley Dale, who was borrowed from the “Music in the Air” company; Leal Douglas, Frances Ogilvie, Molly Raynor, Les War ton, Arthur Clarke, and John Moore, also from the “Music in the Air” company. Tiie Richard White ballet girls’shine in songs and dance ensembles. ■ ’ . Ceeil Kellaway Jias plenty of scope for kindliness and humour in "The Hayseeds.” He is “Dad,” and the story opens, on his farm on a peaceful Sun- ’ day. Presently this peace is broken by a ; group «f hikers who decide to camp for luncheon. Dad rushes down to ihe interlopers, declaring that they are disturbing his precious stock. lie is, however, pleasantly surprised to find Pa Townleigh (Kenneth Brampton) a really good sort. Deciding that there is something to be said for city people, Dad becomes quite friendly. Mary Townleigh (Shirley Dale) is lost in the bush. In spite of the efforts of tiie search party organised by Dad, site cannot be found. Fortunately she wanders to tiie hut, of a young Englishman, who is engaged in prospecting, and so Arthur Clarke comes into the story. When the Townleighs return to the city they invite the Hayseeds to vifiit them, and so you have all the fun of Dad and Mum (Katie Towers') at large : - in- Sydney. "The Hayseeds” lias been booked as ” the Christmas attraction ■ for the Re- . gent Theatre,-Wellington.' : . ’•