SCREEN TESTS AT THE KING'S.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 24, 29 January 1929, Page 5

SCREEN TESTS AT THE KING'S.

■Said to represent screen history in the making, the initial stqgo of production for the Wei-' lington film lias certainly caused a tremendous nmoiint of interest In Wellington. As is now generally known, there are three distinct sections of production to be embarked upon before the finished "article" reaches tlio screen. Unit one is tho screen tests; which will bo enacted on the stage at the King's Theatre for one week commencing next Friday evening. Unit two is tho public selection of players to enact tho .stellar roles in tlio film. The tests film will be presented on tlio screen nightly during tlie week which commences on Stli February, and audiences will vote (facilities to bo provided) for their fancies. Unit three Is actual production which will commence immediately on the final selection of the "stars." With a large number of aspirants ■ for stellar honours already enrolled, plans are well in hand for the screen tests. Although tho majority of applicants are from Wellington city, quite a number are in evidence from places further afield, some hailing from Otaki, Upper Hutt, Nelson, I'etono, and two from Christchurch. The King's Theatro stage during the week will ba converted- into a miniature "set," with full technical equipment and every facility to enable tho participants to give pleasing performances. Tlio joint producers, Messrs. J. S. Vinsen, the well-known kinematOßranher, and Leo SI. Hill, of tho Sydney Film Laboratories, intimate that the tests will bo conducted with utmost discretion, and that every available opportunity for prior rehearsal or advice will be given the players. The leading roles to be filled are those of leading lady, juvenile lead (hero), "heavy" (villain), comedian (both man and woman), in addition to a number of lesser roles. It is understood that tlio settings, scones, aiid backgrounds will be in and around Wellington. Although nearly a hundred applications have been received from intending players, it is understood that more are required in order to obtain variety both in acting-stylo and screen types, those possessing tho right "audience appeal" standing the best ■chance of being finally selected. Applications are required to be made at the King's Theatre, telephones 22-212 and 28-351 (tho producers), being available for aspirants to notify entry. In addition to tile tests next Friday's programme will include (on tho screen) Fox's comedy drama, "Dry Martini," in addition to a further nlm by tho popular New Greater Collegians. Box plans, which are reported to bo filling rapidly, are available at the Bristol.