WELLS AND CHARLIE CHAPLIN

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 117, 11 February 1936, Page 2

WELLS AND CHARLIE CHAPLIN

Hollywood Companions

MR. W. BARRINGTON MILLER’S VISIT

Among the arrivals from England via America by the Monterey last week was Mr. W. Barrington Miller, of London, formerly of Gisborne. When Mr. Miller paid a visit to New Zealand a few years ago he brought with him a number of cups and trophies, which he presented to Gisborne as an encouragement to sport, and at. the same time established a trust fund with the same object in view. This represented some return for the support which had been given him when in business on “Miller’s. Corner in Gisborne.

Mr. Miller, on liis present visit, came by way of the United States, and spent a few weeks in Los Angeles and Hollywood, where, as one who made quite a little fortune out of pictures, he took the opportunity of looking up several of‘those who contributed to that end. "I had met Charlie Chaplin’before,” said Mr. Miller, “and was pleased to see him again. He last year made the picture ’Modern Times,’ but was not doing anything particularly when 1 was in Hollywood. His guest at that time was Mr. H. G. Wells, the famous novelist and prophet. It seems that this year some of Wells’s fantastic stories are to be filmed, and in order to get the right angle on the technique of the business he was making a stay in Hollywood as Mr. Chaplin’s guest. “Many would be surprised to learn that Charles Chaplin has a side t. his character very remote from his facility for clever clowning,” continued Mr. Miller. "He is very well read on many subjects, and makes a point of cultivating literary people. He is a bright conversationalist, and rather likes discussing quite seriously the problems of the day.” Mr. Miller said the depression had hit America very hard indeed, but there were signs that she was getting over the very worst of it, as industry was picking up all over the country.