CAREFUL CHOICE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 154, 27 March 1937, Page VII (Supplement)

CAREFUL CHOICE

QOLUMBIA’S final choice for the role of the Grand Lama in Frank Capra’s production of "Lost Horizon” is Same Jaffe. The easting for this pgrt, which, though short, dominates the atmosphere of the entire picture, was considered so important that more time was devoted to it than to any other role in the picture. Twentythree outstanding stage and screen actors were tried. Capra some time ago completed the Grand Lama sequences with Jaffe and then made them a second time with Walter Connolly in the role. Both men, of widely-divergent physical type and acting technique made the figure of the 250-year-old dama an outstanding and impressive one. and for a long time the decision hung in the balance. Then two weeks ago it was finally decided to use the Jaffe sequences. Arrangements were made with Max Reinhardt, in whose "Eternal Road" Jaffe will open this 'week, to release the player from rehearsals .temporarily so that he might 'fly to the coast for a number of important retakes.

The meticulous attention paid to this role is another indication that Columbia is sparing no expense in bringing ■to the screen the internationallyfamous James Hilton novel. Research on “Lost Horizon” went on for a year before filming on Hie picture started. Frank Capra had the co-operation, for the Tibetan sequences, of Harrison Forman. American explorer and authority on Tibet, who went to Hollywood directly upon his return from a oneman expedition to that country. The set of the Lamasery of Shangri La is said to be one of the largest and most elaborate ever made in Hollywood, 1000 feet long and 500 feet wide. The picture stars Ronald Colman.

JU-IM PORARILY forsaking straight comedy characterisations, Charles Butterworth for t,he first time in his career essays a semi-serious role in "Rainbow on the River.” R.K.O. Radio’s musical which stars Bobby Breen, (lie juvenile singing wonder. In the new film Butterworth portrays a butler.